It had been suggested that the House ought, in conformity with ancient usage, to adjourn over the Easter holidays.

The Puritans and Latitudinarians objected: there was a sharp debate: the High Churchmen did not venture to divide; and, to the great scandal of many grave persons, the Speaker took the chair at nine o'clock on Easter Monday; and there was a long and busy sitting.

[98] This however was by no means the strongest proof which the Commons gave that they were far indeed from feeling extreme reverence or tenderness for the Anglican hierarchy.

The bill for settling the oaths had just come down from the Lords framed in a manner favourable to the clergy.
All lay functionaries were required to swear fealty to the King and Queen on pain of expulsion from office.

But it was provided that every divine who already held a benefice might continue to hold it without swearing, unless the Government should see reason to call on him specially for an assurance of his loyalty.