consequent warfare throughout Europe, the initial enthusiasm had waned and generally turned to hostility. Nevertheless, it was now clear that an apparently settled society and an established Church were not unalterable. Henceforth demands for change, which were often accompanied by anti-clericalism, would receive an attentive hearing at least among some Englishmen. The number of those likely to be impressed by revolutionary thinking was increased by the general increase in the population and especially
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