all of them were distinguished for great ability and extensive learning. Brett was once presented at the assizes for holding a conventicle in his house: but an Act of Indemnity rescued him from the penalties. He afterwards spent his time between Faversham and Canterbury, in which places he had congregations.[1] Unquestionably the Nonjurors made a wise and judicious choice in selecting Brett as a Bishop. The choice was made probably at the desire of Hickes, though he died before the consecration.
Before we enter upon the controversies of this period, a few remarks may be offered on the Rebellion of 1715. The Nonjurors, properly so called, those, who sacrificed all their prospects, rather than take the Oaths, were generally quiet and peaceable men: and though attached to King James, they did not make any attempt towards the restoration of his family. Of those who were implicated in the Rebellion, many had taken the Oaths, while others, from not occupying any public station, had not been called upon to make their decision. The fact, that some of the individuals, who were implicated, professed Nonjuring principles at the time of execution, is no proof that the body were involved in that attempt. Very few, if any, of the actual Nonjurors were concerned. Thus Mr. Paul asked forgiveness of God, on the scaffold, for having taken Oaths in favour of what he termed a usurpation. He avowed himself a member of the Nonjuring Church, as a party separate from the National Church. "You see by my habit, that I die a son, though a very unworthy one, of the Church of England: but I would not have you think, that I am a member of the schis-
- ↑ Nichols, i. 408, 409.
