to prevent a schism in the Church, which he perceived to be inevitable, if the Oath were enforced. The fact, that the Bishops were willing to remain in their sees, may be regarded as an evidence of their desire to comply with the existing government, as far as they could do so, without offering violence to their conscience: and had some relaxation in the matter of the Oath been permitted, the happiest consequences would have ensued.
It was intended, that Tillotson should succeed the Archbishop; yet his nomination did not take place until the 23rd of April 1691. He was confirmed in the see on the 1st of May. It is clear from this delay, that the government were reluctant to interfere: yet it is equally certain, that their reluctance arose only from the apprehension, that the public feeling would be against the measure. It was also hoped, that Sancroft would retire, and thus make way for Tillotson: but as the Archbishop did not recognize the authority by which he had been deprived, he refused to quit the palace. A process of ejectment, therefore, was commenced. Judgment was given on the 23rd of June: and on the same day, as force would otherwise have been applied, the good Archbishop quitted the palace. He proceeded by water to the Temple, where he remained six weeks: after which he retired to Fresingfield, his native place, which he never quitted.[1]
- ↑ D'Oyley's Sancroft, i. 462—470. Birch's Life of Tillotson, 246—248. "It must be acknowledged," says Comber, "by Dr. Sancroft's greatest enemies, that he acted on this occasion from principle, and on a thorough conviction, that it was not lawful to acknowledge any person as king during the life of James II. It was so manifestly against his interest, that a firm persuasion of its being his duty could alone have induced him to make so great a sacrifice." Comber's Life, 291.
