of Ifrael in this emergent affair, we will promife you, whenever you come amongst us, the firft cut of the pafchal lamb, and the chief feat in the fynagogue.

I am, with all refpect to your person and character,

Your moft devoted,

Humble fervant,

From the place of my fojournment in Synagogue lane, Bury ftreet, the icth day of the 12th month called Adar.

Solomon Abrabanel.

ENQUIRY

INTO THE

BEHAVIOUR

OF OUR

Great Churchmen

SINCE THE

REFORMATION,

IN THE

Enacting and Executing

O F

PENA L LAWS

AGAINST

Papifts and Proteftant Diffenters.

Faithful are the words of a friend. Prov. xxvii. 6. Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the

truth? Gal. iv. 16.

The time cometh that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God fervice. Joh. xvi. 2.

Afpicimus populos, quorum non fufficit iræ,
Occidiffe aliquem, fed pectora, brachia, vultum
Crediderint genus effe cibi.

Juv. Sat. 16. 1. 169.

First printed in the Year 1748.

AN

ENQUIRY

INTO THE

BEHAVIOUR

OF OUR

Great Churchmen

SINCE THE

REFORMATION, ¿v.

L

ENITY and good ufage have more effectually weakened the ftrength and

numbers of proteftant diffenters, than harsh and severe measures: On the contrary, the papifts have ever abused patience and forbearance, by corrupting great numbers, both in their religion and loyalty. What account then can be given of one generation of bishops, being forward and zealous, in enacting and executing all hard and oppreffive laws against diffenters,

and

and of the prefent race refufing to appear in any manner against the papists: Or, is there truth in this prevailing opinion? Let us attend to facts.

In part of queen ELIZABETH's reign, many of them owed their promotions to fuch as were favourers of popery. In the four following ones, the popish interest generally prevailed at court. When our princes and minifters have been bad, they have conftantly and easily had their resemblance in their prelates: but the connection has not been so fure and true, when we have had such rulers, as have been tolerably good. This may eafily be accounted for; there is a full uniformity in iniquity, not fo in goodnefs. Befides, fpecious appearances and decla rations impofe on the best, and the most wary are often mistaken in selecting what is good; but evil agents every where abound, and are fteady in their ways.

Hierarchical powers and prerogatives have given our prelates connections with popery. The principles of all other diffenters are regarded as unfriendly, and oppofite to their high claims. Usage and conftruction of laws have been in favour of papifis; especially with regard to the act of uniformity, there hath been notorious partiality.