some pains taken in examination thereof, remain in suspense: and thence were willing to be guided by an implicit faith, after the judgment of others for whom they did happen to have a particular deference. Lastly, it is more than probable, that there were great numbers, both of the clergy and laity, who without troubling themselves much to consider the weight of the argument on either side, were easily contented to determine themselves by the prevailing opinion both of lawyers and divines, and by the solemn recognition of the Possessor made at and by the Assembly of the Estates."[1]
There is no reason to doubt the correctness of this account; so that we ought to be charitable in forming a judgment of those, who could not take the Oath, when so many of those who complied were actuated by such conflicting motives. Some there were, who refused the Oath, and yet did not hesitate to pray for the new Sovereigns: but in a short time they joined themselves to one or other of the great parties, into which the Church was divided.[2]
Whiston, whose opinions were as far as possible from bigotry, may be regarded as an unexceptionable witness in proof of the difficulties, under which many persons conceived themselves to be placed, in consequence of the Oath. "When I was to go to take orders, I had no mind to apply to a bishop, how ex-
- ↑ Kettlewell's Life, 91, 92.
- ↑ Ibid. p. 92. Calamy makes it a merit on the part of the Dissenters that they took the Oath. He says they "freely took the Oath." Undoubtedly they did, having no conscience in the matter, as their previous conduct testified. They had done more for King James, and would have supported anyone without regard to principles. Their conduct proves that this remark is just. Calamy, i. 488.
