The Whig Ministers objected, as was natural, to Hickes'
sentiments. Who was more fitted to answer them than
the Whig clerical protagonist recently promoted to
the episcopal bench ? Hoadly complains that the
nonjurors showed little gratitude for the thirty years'
toleration they had enjoyed, "Now," says he, " they



132 JOHN POTTER [i737-

open the scene for which they have been long preparing
in a more covered and private way, . . . the establish-
ment is now openly and directly charged with the want
of all right. The nonjurors' cause is now publicly
declared to be the cause of God. The Church is made
a principal part of the argument. The words unity,
schism, altar, excommunication, damnation, and the
like, are thrown about in such a manner as to confound
the understanding of honest men of low capacities."

He considers the foundation of the difference
between the two parties. In the year 1688, says he,
" the whole nation of Protestants, universally and
equally, felt and saw themselves on the brink of
destruction . . . after having warded off the present
threatening ruin, nothing remained but to secure us
from the return of the same evils of popery and
slavery." . . . "This was done with the greatest
regard to the constitution of the kingdom, and with
the least deviation from the common rule. The popish
branches of the royal family were set aside upon no
other consideration than the safety of the whole nation.
