The third offence required abjuring the realm or
being transported to a plantation of the king beyond the seas. The
policy of Charles II was to allow Quakers to meet undisturbed, to
keep their hats on before magistrates, and to not come to the
parish church. But this policy was only partially adopted in the
country. From 1689, by statute, the Quakers were allowed to affirm
or declare instead of making the customary oath.
Many Presbyterians became Unitarians, who rejected the trinity of
"Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" and doubted the divinity of Jesus,
but accepted revelation. This statute was then passed in 1697: Any
person having been educated in or having at any time made
profession of the Christian religion who, by writing, printing,
teaching, or advised speaking, denies the Holy trinity, asserts
that there is more than one god, or that the Bible is not of
divine authority, shall be disabled for any ecclesiastical, civil,
or military office. The penalty for a second offense is being
disabled from suing or pleading any action in any court, being
guardian of any child, or executor or administrator of any estate,
or receiving any legacy or deed of gift and imprisonment for three
years without bail or mainprize.
Catholicism was always disfavored. Catholic priests were executed
with little evidence. At times, Charles commuted the death penalty
for them to banishment.
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