sent persuasion they could not make good. To these I have nothing more to say, than to wish them what I think they well deserve, a better cause: but to us? who had bound ourselves by previous oaths and obligations in the most solemn manner in the world, the accession of his Majesty could administer no occasion of reconsidering this question: there was nothing new required of us: we had no faith to give which was not already plighted, and bound upon our souls by the most sacred engagements."[1] This is honourable testimony from a candid man: and may be regarded as conclusive evidence, that the actual Nonjurors, with few exceptions, were not implicated in this Rebellion.
After the suppression of the Rebellion, several important works, of a controversial character, were published, both by the Nonjurors and by their opponents. These productions require a particular notice; for the very history of the Nonjurors is bound up as it were with their controversies. It appears, that the advocates of the government entered afresh on the controversy, after the suppression of the Rebellion. Two works in particular made a great noise at the time, namely, one by Bennet, and the other by Hoadley.
It would appear that at this time the Nonjurors were in some danger, probably from being suspected of consenting to the recent Rebellion, in favour of the son of King James. Most of them were quiet and peaceable men: and it was harsh on the part of the government to subject them to such treatment. It
- ↑ Sherlock's Sermon before the Commons on the day of Thanksgiving for Suppressing the Rebellion. 8vo. London, 1716, pp. 19, 20.
