25, chap.

10.
According to this principle, Laud's indulgence to the Catholics, and severity to the Puritans, would admit of apology.

I own, however, that it is very questionable, whether persecution can in any case be justified; but, at the same time, it would be hard to give that appellation to Laud's conduct, who only enforced the act of uniformity, and expelled the clergymen that accepted of benefices, and yet refused to observe the ceremonies which they previously knew to be enjoined by law.

He never refused them separate places of worship, because they themselves would have esteemed it impious to demand them, and no less impious to allow them.] [Footnote 16: NOTE P, p.319.

Dr.Birch has written a treatise on this subject It is not my business to oppose any facts contained in that gentleman's performance.