That Churchmen would even now so completely forget the doctrine which had been their peculiar boast as to join in active resistance seemed incredible.

But could their oppressor expect to find among them the spirit which in the preceding generation had triumphed over the armies of Essex and Waller, and had yielded only after a desperate struggle to the genius and vigour of Cromwell?
The tyrant was overcome by fear.

He ceased to repeat that concession had always ruined princes, and sullenly owned that he must stoop to court the Tories once more.

[483] There is reason to believe that Halifax was, at this time, invited to return to office, and that he was not unwilling to do so.

The part of mediator between the throne and the nation was, of all parts, that for which he was best qualified, and of which he was most ambitious.