The language of the whole town was that the dispensing power had received a fatal blow.

Finch, who had the day before been universally reviled, was now universally applauded.
He had been unwilling, it was said, to let the case be decided in a way which would have left the great constitutional question still doubtful.
He had felt that a verdict which should acquit his clients, without condemning the Declaration of Indulgence, would be but half a victory.
It is certain that Finch deserved neither the reproaches which had been cast on him while the event was doubtful, nor the praises which he received when it had proved happy.

It was absurd to blame him because, during the short delay which he occasioned, the crown lawyers unexpectedly discovered new evidence.

It was equally absurd to suppose that he deliberately exposed his clients to risk, in order to establish a general principle: and still more absurd was it to praise him for what would have been a gross violation of professional duty.
That joyful day was followed by a not less joyful night.

The Bishops, and some of their most respectable friends, in vain exerted themselves to prevent tumultuous demonstrations of joy.