The writs summoning the Convocation of the province of Canterbury had been issued; and the clergy were every where in a state of violent excitement.

They had just taken the oaths, and were smarting from the earnest reproofs of nonjurors, from the insolent taunts of Whigs, and often undoubtedly from the stings of remorse.

The announcement that a Convocation was to sit for the purpose of deliberating on a plan of comprehension roused all the strongest passions of the priest who had just complied with the law, and was ill satisfied or half satisfied with himself for complying.

He had an opportunity of contributing to defeat a favourite scheme of that government which had exacted from him, under severe penalties, a submission not easily to be reconciled to his conscience or his pride.

He had an opportunity of signalising his zeal for that Church whose characteristic doctrines he had been accused of deserting for lucre.