Why Trenchard was selected in preference to many men of higher rank and greater ability for a post of the first dignity and importance, it is difficult to say.

It seems however that, though he bore the title and drew the salary of Secretary of State, he was not trusted with any of the graver secrets of State, and that he was little more than a superintendent of police, charged to look after the printers of unlicensed books, the pastors of nonjuring congregations, and the haunters of treason taverns.

[411] Another Whig of far higher character was called at the same time to a far higher place in the administration.

The Great Seal had now been four years in commission.

Since Maynard's retirement, the constitution of the Court of Chancery had commanded little respect.