the chevalier de St. George came into
Lorraine by the directions of the French king, whom the duke could not
disoblige without exposing his territories to invasion. Notwithstanding
this apology, the marquis was given to understand that he could not be
admitted to an audience until the pretender should be removed from
the dominions of his master; he therefore quitted the kingdom without
further hesitation. Religion was still mingled in all political
disputes. The high churchmen complained that impiety and heresy daily
gained ground from the connivance, or at least the supine negligence,
of the whig prelates. The lower house of convocation had, before the
queen's death, declared that a book published by Dr. Samuel Clarke,
under the title of "The Scripture Doctrine of the Trinity," contained
assertions contrary to the catholic faith. They sent up extracts from
this performance to the bishops, and the doctor wrote an answer to
their objections. He was prevailed upon to write an apology, which he
presented to the upper house; but apprehending it might be published
separately, and misunderstood, he afterwards delivered an explanation
to the bishop of London. This was satisfactory to the bishops; but
the lower house resolved that it was no recantation of his heretical
assertions. The disputes about the Trinity increasing, the archbishops
and bishops received directions, which were published, for preserving
unity in the church, the purity of the christian faith concerning the
holy Trinity, and for maintaining the peace and quiet of the state. By
these every preacher was restricted from delivering any other doctrine
than what is contained in the holy scriptures with respect to the
Trinity, and from intermeddling in any affairs of state or government.
The like prohibition was extended to those who should write, harangue,
or dispute on the same subjects.

{GEORGE I, 1714--1727}

NEW PARLIAMENT.

The parliament being dissolved, another was called by a very
extraordinary proclamation, in which the king complained of the evil
designs of men disaffected to his succession; and of their having
misrepresented his conduct and principles. He mentioned the perplexity
of public affairs, the interruption of commerce, and the heavy debts of
the nation. He expressed his hope that his loving subjects would send up
to parliament the fittest persons to redress the present disorders; and
that in the elections, they would have a particular