It was unpopular with the
zealous Churchman for the concessions it made both to Papist and
Puritan. It was unpopular with the Puritan because he was compelled to
share it with the Papist. It was unpopular with the Papist because it
was less liberal to him than to the Puritan. It was unpopular with all
classes of patriotic Englishmen alike, because it directly violated that
prerogative of the Legislature for which so much English blood had been
already shed. It was soon, indeed, repealed, and its repeal was soon
followed by the dissolution of the Cabal, the passing of the Test Act,
and peace with Holland. But though the fears of the nation were thus
laid to rest for a time, it now first became clear to those who could
look beyond the passing day, and whose vision was sharpened by the
memory of what had been, how surely England was moving under the son
back again to a state of things which had cost the father his crown and
his life.
But to return to the declaration of war. Lewis received, and probably
expected to receive, but little support from his English allies, and in
a furious action fought off the coast of Suffolk De Ruyter more than
held his own against the combined fleets of France and England. But on
land the French King carried all before him. Led by Conde and Turenne,
the ablest captains of the age, a vast host poured across the Rhine.
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