Many of those who thought the motion right in principle thought it ill timed.

A protest was entered; but it was signed only by a few peers of no great authority.

It is a remarkable fact that two great chiefs of the Whig party, who were in general very attentive to their parliamentary duty, Devonshire and Shrewsbury, absented themselves on this occasion.

[96] The debate on the Test in the Upper House was speedily followed by a debate on the last clause of the Comprehension Bill.

By that clause it was provided that thirty Bishops and priests should be commissioned to revise the liturgy and canons, and to suggest amendments.