tion of the Clergy," in which we find a reason for acting, in the ordering of Bishops, by his own authority. "Bishops are consecrated by the Metropolitan and as many of the Bishops of the province as can conveniently come together; but they must not proceed to a consecration, unless the majority of them either are present, or have signified their consent: nor unless three Bishops are actually present, except in the case of persecution or some such other very necessary occasion, when one Bishop is sufficient to make the consecration valid."[1] He evidently considered, that the plea of necessity might be urged, or that they were under persecution. That he was justified, in so acting, even on his own principle, cannot be admitted, since the regular Nonjurors had a sufficient number of Bishops. The work displays much learning, though some of the author's opinions are very singular.
The charge of Popery was brought, by Owen a Dissenter, against Deacon, of whom he speaks in no measured terms. Some of the Nonjurors at Manchester were accused of paying religious adoration to the heads of the rebels, which had been suspended, in that town, according to the sentence. The charge was advanced first in The Whitehall Evening Post, in an anonymous letter, which was afterwards acknowledged to be Owen's. "The two rebel heads are revered and almost adored, as trophies of martyrdom. The father of one of them (who is a Nonjuring Bishop) as he passes by 'em, frequently pulls off his hat, and looks at them above a minute with a solemn complacential smile. Some suppose he offers up a prayer for them, others to them. His church daily
- ↑ A full, true, and comprehensive View, &c. i. 430.
