The Cabinet, towards the close of his reign, had already become the fundamental administrative instrument.

Originally a committee of the Privy Council, it had no party basis until the ingenious Sunderland atoned for a score of dishonesties by insisting that the root of its efficiency would be found in its selection from a single party.

William acquiesced but doubtfully; for, until the end of his life, he never understood why his ministers should not be a group of able counsellors chosen without reference to their political affiliations.

Sunderland knew better for the simple reason that he belonged to that period when the Whigs and Tories had gambled against each other for their heads.

He knew that no council-board could with comfort contain both himself and Halifax; just as William himself was to learn quite early that neither honor nor confidence could win unswerving support from John Churchill.