No fact is more certain than that Sunderland opposed some of the most imprudent steps which James took, and in particular the prosecution of the Bishops, which really brought on the decisive crisis.

But, even if this fact were not established, there would still remain one argument sufficient to decide the controversy.
What conceivable motive had Sunderland to wish for a revolution?
Under the existing system he was at the height of dignity and prosperity.
As President of the Council he took precedence of the whole temporal peerage.

As Principal Secretary of State he was the most active and powerful member of the cabinet.

He might look forward to a dukedom.
He had obtained the garter lately worn by the brilliant and versatile Buckingham, who, having squandered away a princely fortune and a vigorous intellect, had sunk into the grave deserted, contemned, and broken-hearted.

[459] Money, which Sunderland valued more than honours, poured in upon him in such abundance that, with ordinary management, he might hope to become, in a few years, one of the wealthiest subjects in Europe.