likeness of Kennet was substituted for that of the Bishop. Crowds flocked daily to the Church to examine the picture: so that the Bishop of London interposed, and the Altar Piece was removed. In 1710 Welton preached a sermon, which induced the government to interfere, and he was removed from his living.[1] From a contemporary publication, we learn, that some persons imagined, that the picture of St. John was intended to represent the Chevalier St. George. Welton published a sermon in defence of his conduct, giving in the preface an account of the proceedings connected with the removal of the Altar Piece.[2] After his deprivation Welton preached to a Nonjuring congregation.
It is evident, that the rash conduct of some few of the Nonjurors involved the whole body in difficulties. They were regarded by the government as enemies. Some persons even have alleged, that they were more active at the period of the Rebellion, in disseminating their principles, than they had been for several years. Thus we are told, "the controversy of the new schism made a much greater noise upon the late tumults and rebellion, than it had ever done since the filling of the deprived sees by King William: and the Jacobite conventicles were more frequented in the cities of London and Westminster: and Priests of that way were sent down to gather the like congregations in country towns: and many of the high folk, especially the women, seemed to come to the
- ↑ Noble. Soloman against Welton, or that Prince's Authority brought against the Insolence of the White Chapel Priest. Being a Defence of the Resistance made to the late King James, &c. by way of Remark on the Dr's. Sermon. 8vo. London, 1710. Nichols's Lit. Anec. i. 397.
- ↑ Wisdom of Looking Backwards, 347, 360-63.
