Devoted as Queensberry had always been to the cause of prerogative, he could not stand his ground against competitors who were willing to pay such a price for the favour of the court.

He had to endure a succession of mortifications and humiliations similar to those which, about the same time, began to embitter the life of his friend Rochester.

Royal letters came down authorising Papists to hold offices without taking the test.

The clergy were strictly charged not to reflect on the Roman Catholic religion in their discourses.

The Chancellor took on himself to send the macers of the Privy Council round to the few printers and booksellers who could then be found in Edinburgh, charging them not to publish any work without his license.