zox not by Law adminifter an Oath, but they came as near it as poffible, by fubjeaing everyMember of the Church to the Jolemn Scrutiny and Examina- tion of the Confiflory, where he was obliged, as often as required, to give an Account of his privateOpinions, and accufe himfelf. The Law enacted for this Purpofe is as follows : " And that Difcirl;ne " every Member of the Congregation Reform", " do not refufe to render a Declara- Article y2, " tion of their Faith, before the Mini- " fiers and Elders, whenfoever they " fhall by them be thereunto required." However, this Oath ex officio is now no longer ufed in the church of England. As to the Efiabliihment of a Difcipline and Government by Lay-Elders, had it been more defirable than really it is, no Man, that confiders in what Cir- cumftances the Nation was, the great Numbers of Papifis, Lutherans, and Friends ofKingEdward's Reformation, can think it a practicable Scheme. 'Tis in the Nature of it very unfuitable to a Monarchical Government ; indeed the ab¡olute and independent Powers, thefe Gentlemen claim'd of making Laws, WITHOUT the Confent of the Vic,. carte. Magi/irate, obliging him to fee their Defence of Decrees executed, and punifh the Conthe Admo . temners of them, were not very con- H 3 fifent
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