We learn indeed from fathers of the highest authority that, even in the purest ages of the Church, some confessors, who had manfully refused to save themselves from torments and death by throwing frankincense on the altar of Jupiter, afterwards brought scandal on the Christian name by gross fraud and debauchery, [479] For the nonjuring divines great allowance must in fairness be made.

They were doubtless in a most trying situation.

In general, a schism, which divides a religious community, divides the laity as well as the clergy.
The seceding pastors therefore carry with them a large part of their flocks, and are consequently assured of a maintenance.

But the schism of 1689 scarcely extended beyond the clergy.

The law required the rector to take the oaths, or to quit his living: but no oath, no acknowledgment of the title of the new King and Queen, was required from the parishioner as a qualification for attending divine service, or for receiving the Eucharist.