The numbers on the division proved to be exactly equal.

The consequence was that, according to the rules of the House, the amendment was lost.

[97] At length the Comprehension Bill was sent down to the Commons.

There it would easily have been carried by two to one, if it had been supported by all the friends of religious liberty.

But on this subject the High Churchmen could count on the support of a large body of Low Churchmen.
Those members who wished well to Nottingham's plan saw that they were outnumbered, and, despairing of a victory, began to meditate a retreat.