that particular paper to the public library: and, therefore, alluding to this fact, which he speaks of as a rumour, he expresses himself satisfied with the Register of Benefactors, in which the bequest is recorded. Not content with attempting to injure him while living, his enemies traduced his memory after his death, giving out that he had died a Roman Catholic. Hearne was singular in his habits, and in his religious opinions; but the rumour of his being reconciled to the Church of Rome, in his dying moments, was destitute of any foundation whatever.[1]
Walter Harte was another Nonjuring Clergyman of this period, of whom some notice may be given. He was Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, Prebendary of Wells, and Vicar of St. Mary Magdalen, Taunton, all of which he lost for refusing the Oath of Allegiance at the Revolution. Kidder, Hooper, and Wynn, the successors of Ken, in the See of Bath and Wells, contrived to secure to him the profits of his Stall at Wells; so that he was not left quite destitute in his declining years. He retired to Kentbury, Berks, at which place he died in the year 1736, at the advanced age of 95. His son, Walter Harte, Canon of Windsor, was the well known author of the Life of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden.[2]
It may be mentioned that several laymen, though they were not called upon to take the Oaths, which, however, they would have refused, were Nonjurors in principle, and considered themselves as members of the body. Bowyer and Bettenham, two eminent printers, were Nonjurors: and by them many of the works of the party were published. In the year
