[59] He joined himself therefore to the Jesuitical cabal, and made so dexterous an use of the influence of that cabal that he was appointed to succeed Halifax in the high dignity of Lord President without being required to resign the far more active and lucrative post of Secretary.

[60] He felt, however, that he could never hope to obtain paramount influence in the court while he was supposed to belong to the Established Church.

All religions were the same to him.

In private circles, indeed, he was in the habit of talking with profane contempt of the most sacred things.

He therefore determined to let the King have the delight and glory of effecting a conversion.