Halifax had been during many years accused of scepticism, deism, atheism.

Danby's attachment to episcopacy and the liturgy was rather political than religious.

But Nottingham was such a son as the Church was proud to own.

Propositions, therefore, which, if made by his colleagues, would infallibly produce a violent panic among the clergy, might, if made by him, find a favourable reception even in universities and chapter houses.

The friends of religious liberty were with good reason desirous to obtain his cooperation; and, up to a certain point, he was not unwilling to cooperate with them.