LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SANCROFT. 35 



This separation of the church into two com- 

 munions was by no means approved at the 

 time by the whole of those who refused the 

 new oaths ; and it gave rise to considerable 

 discussion amongst them, conducted with some 

 heat and vehemence. It was properly re- 

 marked by some of that body, that even if it 

 were clear that the authority by which they 

 were deprived was not legal or not competent, 

 or the cause of deprivation not just, still the 

 separation of the church by setting up altar 

 against altar must lead to practical evil; but 

 if, on the other hand, it were allowed, as most 

 persons on cool consideration must be disposed 

 to allow, that the non-acknowledgment of the 

 existing government was a sufficient cause for 

 deprivation, and that the authority which de- 

 prived, being that of the government appointed 

 by the estates of the realm, was both legal and 

 competent, then no possible doubt could be 

 admitted as to the impropriety of the step which 

 was now unhappily taken. 



never allowed by the main body. The succeeding bishops of the 

 nonjurors were not consecrated Avith any particular titles, as 

 were the first bishops by those of suffragans of Thetford and 

 Ipswich. There were many very eminent and learned men 

 amongst the nonjurors at different times ; amongst others. 

 Collier, Leslie, Dr. Brett, Dodwell, and Nelson. It is sup- 

 posed that, at the end of the last century, there was not a 

 single nonjuring congregation or minister remaining. 



D 2 



