Perhaps James hoped that some of the offenders, terrified by his displeasure, might submit before the day fixed for the reading of the Declaration in their dioceses, and might, in order to make their peace with him, persuade their clergy to obey his order.

If such was his hope it was signally disappointed.
Sunday the third of June came; and all parts of England followed the example of the capital.

Already the Bishops of Norwich, Gloucester, Salisbury, Winchester, and Exeter, had signed copies of the petition in token of their approbation.

The Bishop of Worcester had refused to distribute the Declaration among his clergy.

The Bishop of Hereford had distributed it: but it was generally understood that he was overwhelmed by remorse and shame for having done so.