With love of the Church and with love of freedom was mingled, at this great crisis, a third feeling which is among the most honourable peculiarities of our national character.

An individual oppressed by power, even when destitute of all claim to public respect and gratitude, generally finds strong sympathy among us.

Thus, in the time of our grandfathers, society was thrown into confusion by the persecution of Wilkes.

We have ourselves seen the nation roused almost to madness by the wrongs of Queen Caroline.

It is probable, therefore, that, even if no great political and religious interests had been staked on the event of the proceeding against the Bishops, England would not have seen, without strong emotions of pity and anger, old men of stainless virtue pursued by the vengeance of a harsh and inexorable prince who owed to their fidelity the crown which he wore.
Actuated by these sentiments our ancestors arrayed themselves against the government in one huge and compact mass.