He could not accuse Tillotson of inordinate ambition.

But, though Tillotson was most unwilling to accept the Archbishopric himself, he did not use his influence in favour of Compton, but earnestly recommended Stillingfleet as the man fittest to preside over the Church of England.

The consequence was that, on the eve of the meeting of Convocation, the Bishop who was to be at the head of the Upper House became the personal enemy of the presbyter whom the government wished to see at the head of the Lower House.

This quarrel added new difficulties to difficulties which little needed any addition, [505] It was not till the twentieth of November that the Convocation met for the despatch of business.

The place of meeting had generally been Saint Paul's Cathedral.