The ceremony occupied so long a time that little else was done that day in the Courts of Chancery and King's Bench, [460] But in general the compliance was tardy, sad and sullen.

Many, no doubt, deliberately sacrificed principle to interest.
Conscience told them that they were committing a sin.

But they had not fortitude to resign the parsonage, the garden, the glebe, and to go forth without knowing where to find a meal or a roof for themselves and their little ones.

Many swore with doubts and misgivings, [461] Some declared, at the moment of taking the oath, that they did not mean to promise that they would not submit to James, if he should ever be in a condition to demand their allegiance, [462] Some clergymen in the north were, on the first of August, going in a company to swear, when they were met on the road by the news of the battle which had been fought, four days before, in the pass of Killiecrankie.

They immediately turned back, and did not again leave their homes on the same errand till it was clear that Dundee's victory had made no change in the state of public affairs, [463] Even of those whose understandings were fully convinced that obedience was due to the existing government, very few kissed the book with the heartiness with which they had formerly plighted their faith to Charles and James.