Lockhart had deemed it best to enter the service of the Restored Rump, and would act honourably for them while he remained their servant.

Thurloe also, though not yet safe from prosecution by the new Government, thought it only fair to assist them with advices and information.[1] [Footnote 1: Phillips, 650-651; Guizot, I.177-178.] Meanwhile the new Government had been stoutly at work.

The spirit of the "good old cause" was strong in the two or three scores of members most regularly in attendance, among whom were Vane, Marten, Ludlow, Hasilrig, Scott, Salway, Weaver, Neville, Raleigh, Lister, Walton, Say, Downes, Morley, and John Jones.

Remembering the great days of the Commonwealth between 1649 and 1653, and not inquiring how much of the greatness of those days had been owing to the fact that the politicians at the centre had then a Cromwell marching over the map for them, and winning them the victories that gave them great work to do, they set themselves, with all their industry, courage, and ability, to prove to the world that those great days might be renewed without a Cromwell.

The Council generally held its meetings early in the morning, so that the Council-business might not interfere with their attendance in the House.