In this way does Nelson prove that the cases were not similar. And the extracts, while they support his argument, are also calculated to shield his memory from the attacks of prejudiced persons in our own times.
Much correspondence took place at this period between the Nonjurors, since many dissented from Dodwell's view. Brokesby, as well as Dodwell, enters largely upon the subject. In a letter of October 19th 1710, he thus writes:
"That we could not communicate with the present possessors formerly because there was altar against altar; which cannot now be said: that we could not communicate with them while our excellent Fathers were alive: that these might if they had pleased have ordained Bishops into vacant sees: that this was not done, (which alone could have hindered it) and hence upon the death of our deprived Fathers a right accrued to the present possessors, there being none else who could justly challenge it: that when our deprived Fathers consecrated other Bishops, they capacitated them to perform episcopal functions, gave them a right to ordain others, and hereby a power to prevent the failure of this order, which might otherwise be feared as in Scotland: and they might have commissioned them to exercise their episcopal offices: but they could not commission them to do it after their deaths, the commission determining with the life of their commissioner, nor could give them right to act in full sees."[1]
Brokesby alludes to a report, that the deprived Bishops agreed that a power was given the new Bishops, that is, Hickes and Wagstaffe, equal to that
- ↑ Marshall, App. No. X. p. 41.
