The History of Oswestry: Comprising the British, Saxon, Norman, and English eras; the topography of the borough; and its ecclesiastical and civic history; with notices of botany, geology, statistics, angling, and biography: to which are added sketches of the environsCathrall, William
History
The History of Oswestry: Comprising the British, Saxon, Norman, and English eras; the topography of the borough; and its ecclesiastical and civic history; with notices of botany, geology, statistics, angling, and biography: to which are added sketches of the environs
Cathrall, William
Natural history -- England -- Shropshire; Oswestry (England) -- History
ministers he could to assist him, for ‘he would be glad to hear what any
of them had to say for themselves.’ Mr. Owen sought the co-operation of
Mr. Henry, which, after much hesitation, was granted; to whom also was
joined Mr. Jonathan Roberts, ‘a plain man of great integrity, and a very
good scholar.’ On the day appointed the Bishop made his appearance with
the famous Henry Dodwell. In those days of intolerance, some parties had
refrained from engaging in the controversy, ‘lest it might be prejudicial
to their liberty. The Bishop, however, was pleased to promise that no
thing which should be said, by way of argument, should be any way turned
to the prejudice of the disputants, nor advantage taken of it to give
them trouble.’ There was convened a large number of the gentry and
clergy of the neighbourhood, the magistrates of the town, and a great
concourse of people. The discussion lasted from two in the afternoon
till between seven and eight at night. ‘Much was said, pro and con,
touching the identity of bishops and presbyters, the bishoping and
unbishoping of Timothy and Titus, &c. It was managed with a great deal
of liberty, and not under the strict laws of disputation.’ ‘The Bishop
won golden opinions from all parties on account of the gravity, calmness,
and evenness of spirit’ with which he conducted his part; while he seems
to have been so much gratified with the temper of his opponents, as to
have formed from that time a most intimate friendship with Mr. Henry.”
The report does not inform us whether the Bishop was convinced by the
arguments of the nonconformists. That Philip Henry retained his opinions
is undeniable; for he never ceased advocating, with Christian zeal and
moderation, the principles of nonconformity. It is gratifying, however,
to read of so tolerant and well-conducted a disputation in so persecuting
an age; it speaks much in favor of the just and beneficent spirit of
Bishop Lloyd.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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