measures of the court, yet had they the confidence to pretend a mighty share of merit at the Revolution."[1]
As the Nonjurors were subjected to so much reproach from the Dissenters, it appears desirable in this work to expose the conduct of the latter at, and immediately prior to, the Revolution of 1688. Still I would not have entered upon this exposure, had not Dissenting writers, from that time down to the present moment, been in the habit of charging Popery against many of the most faithful children of the Anglican Church. It must strike reflecting persons as somewhat remarkable, that, like their forefathers, modern Dissenters are making Common Cause with Popery: while the Church of England still remains the chief bulwark against the encroachments of Rome. As soon as the Dissenters had entered into the harvest, which certainly was prepared by others, they became very virtuous and zealous, and charged the Nonjuring Clergy with Popery. This was marvellous inconsistency in men, who had done so much to further the cause of Romanism. They encouraged the King in his measures: and, but for that encouragement, his Majesty would never have proceeded to a prosecution of the imprisoned prelates.[2] The most active supporters of King James were William Penn, a Quaker, and Henry Care, a Dissenter. They asserted the dispensing power in the Crown: so that according to their doctrine the King could not be bound by any laws.[3]
- ↑ Salmon's Examination of Burnet, ii. 1024.
- ↑ Kettlewell's Life, 75, 76.
- ↑ Johnston, his Majesty's physician, published a work in defence of the dispensing power: "The King's Visitorial Power asserted, &c. 4to London, Printed by Henry Hills, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, for his Household and Chappel. 1688." It was ably answered in "Some Observations upon the
