There was a limit to the amount of the sacrifices which the most absolute prince could demand from those whom he ruled.

However desirous the Most Christian King might be to uphold the cause of hereditary monarchy and of pure religion all over the world, his first duty was to his own kingdom; and, unless a counterrevolution speedily took place in England, his duty to his own kingdom might impose on him the painful necessity of treating with the Prince of Orange.

It would therefore be wise in James to do without delay whatever he could honourably and conscientiously do to win back the hearts of his people.
Thus pressed, James unwillingly yielded.

He consented to give a share in the management of his affairs to one of the most distinguished of the Compounders, Charles Earl of Middleton.
Middleton's family and his peerage were Scotch.

But he was closely connected with some of the noblest houses of England; he had resided long in England; he had been appointed by Charles the Second one of the English Secretaries of State, and had been entrusted by James with the lead of the English House of Commons.