But about the terms of the oath which related to the spiritual institutions of the realm there was much debate.

Should the chief magistrate promise simply to maintain the Protestant religion established by law, or should he promise to maintain that religion as it should be hereafter established by law?
The majority preferred the former phrase.

The latter phrase was preferred by those Whigs who were for a Comprehension.

But it was universally admitted that the two phrases really meant the same thing, and that the oath, however it might be worded, would bind the Sovereign in his executive capacity only.

This was indeed evident from the very nature of the transaction.
Any compact may be annulled by the free consent of the party who alone is entitled to claim the performance.