Page:History of the Nonjurors.djvu/89

Rh them, as soon as the Prince entered into the choir, they should sing Te Deum, which was observed. The Prince sat in the Bishop's chair. After Te Deum, Dr. Burnet, in a seat under the pulpit, read aloud the Prince's Declaration." In his own History Burnet merely says, that the Clergy were fearful, and that the Bishop and Dean ran away. Yet he himself was the most prominent actor in the city of Exeter: and it seems difficult to reconcile his conduct with his avowed principles, as a Clergyman of the Anglican Church.

It appears almost impossible to respect such a character. Very soon after William had obtained possession of the throne, he appointed Burnet to the See of Salisbury: but it is evident, that he cared little for the Church, in which he was made a Bishop. "In profession a Prelate, a Dissenter in sentiment. To protect Protestantism against Popery there was no character, however infamous, he would not defend." He was a thorough partizan, and a scheming politician. Appointed as he was to the See of Salis-