This power was now exercised without limit.

It was by no means equally clear that James had the power of appointing new magistrates: but, whether it belonged to him or not, he determined to assume it.

Everywhere, from the Tweed to the Land's End, Tory functionaries were ejected, and the vacant places were filled with Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists.

In the new charter of the City of London the crown had reserved the power of displacing the masters, wardens, and assistants of all the companies.

Accordingly more than eight hundred citizens of the first consideration, all of them members of that party which had opposed the Exclusion Bill, were turned out of office by a single edict.