The arguments in favour of this proposition were futile indeed: but the place of sound argument was amply supplied by the omnipotent sophistry of interest and of passion.
Many writers have expressed wonder that the high spirited Cavaliers of England should have been zealous for the most slavish theory that has ever been known among men.

The truth is that this theory at first presented itself to the Cavalier as the very opposite of slavish.

Its tendency was to make him not a slave but a freeman and a master.

It exalted him by exalting one whom he regarded as his protector, as his friend, as the head of his beloved party and of his more beloved Church.
When Republicans were dominant the Royalist had endured wrongs and insults which the restoration of the legitimate government had enabled him to retaliate.

Rebellion was therefore associated in his imagination with subjection and degradation, and monarchical authority with liberty and ascendency.