Where the party whose powers cease is defendant, the plaintiff may continue his suit against him to final judgment or decree; but he shall not at law proceed in the same action against such defendant and his successor, nor shall he in equity proceed against both upon his previous bill, unless an order that the suit proceed against the former party be entered at the first term after service of a scire facias for or against such successor, or at the same term at which a motion to revive is made under the provisions of section five of this article in lieu of a scire facias.