At this time it caused no small wonder to see how well King William understood the way to be master of both parties, by playing them off against one another: as neither could accomplish anything by itself, each sought to win for itself the King's support, reminded him of its past services, and held out hopes that, if he would make it stronger than its rival, it would carry out all his views. But William knew well that in that case either party would try to secure to itself the exclusive possession of power; and that his own position required him to keep the balance between them.

Sunderland had at that time advised him to take this course; he must not let the Tories hope for too much; and in the Whigs he should arouse some anxiety; for the rest let him go on his own way unwavering, promoting to high office no man who had spoken out emphatically against him.

The Whigs of course enjoyed most of his favour. Lord Manchester, now just back from France, after having there conducted himself as a zealous adherent of the King and his policy, was made Secretary of State; there were three Whigs and but one Tory in the Finance-Commission; and similar changes were expected in other branches of the administration.