[258] Thus the dissenting ministers who had been gained by the Court were rapidly losing the influence which they had once possessed over their brethren.

On the other hand, the sectaries found themselves attracted by a strong religious sympathy towards those prelates and priests of the Church of England who, spite of royal mandates, of threats, and of promises, were waging vigorous war with the Church of Rome.

The Anglican body and the Puritan body, so long separated by a mortal enmity, were daily drawing nearer to each other, and every step which they made towards union increased the influence of him who was their common head.
William was in all things fitted to be a mediator between these two great sections of the English nation.

He could not be said to be a member of either.

Yet neither, when in a reasonable mood, could refuse to regard him as a friend.