youth would have been confined, on the ground of insanity: but the government permitted his execution to take place. Mr. Orme, a Nonjuring clergyman, attended him on the scaffold.
At this period the Nonjuring Clergy were subjected to much hardship in consequence of the Rebellion: for the Oaths were tendered afresh to all suspected persons. Those who refused were committed to prison: while several magistrates were removed from the commission for what was deemed undue leniency in imposing the Oaths.[1] In many cases, uncalled for severity was exercised. Individuals were even punished for wearing white roses, which were considered as badges of the Pretender's. With what strange feelings must such a passage as the following be read! "Two soldiers whipped almost to death in Hyde Park, and turned out of the service, for wearing oak boughs in their hats the 29th of May."[2] Dr. Welton, who had been deprived of the Rectory of Whitechapel, and who had assembled together about 250 Nonjurors in a private house for divine service, was surprised by the magistrates. Mr. Hawkes, another clergyman, officiated for some time in his own house opposite to St. James's Palace; but because he omitted the name of the King, in reading the Common Prayer, he was fined under the Conventicle Act.[3]
The Nonjurors were at this time deterred, by these severities, from defending their principles by means of the press. Some few, however, ventured to stand forward, though they were generally subjected to punishment. Laurence Howell, so well
