The reaction went on, and began to sweep like a storm over the Dissenting Churches. The _State Papers_, after having for some years failed to supply illustrations of the condition of Nonconformity, again present a pile of informations and letters, proving the renewed activity of spies, and opening a fresh loop-hole through which we can discover the warfare going on against “the fanatics.” It is but just to the Government, to say, that as far as can be discovered from these records, this persecuting activity originated with individuals of the Tory and High Church party, who were continually writing to Sir Leoline Jenkins, informing him of political disaffection and of religious discontent. Loyal addresses streamed in from counties and towns, communications arrived respecting plots and disaffection, and complaints were also made of the non-execution of laws against Nonconformists.[82] All the way through, the object was to represent Nonconformists as disloyal, as traitors to their Prince, and as wishing to bring back the days of the Republic. So numerous, it is said, were these disaffected fanatics, that they swarmed everywhere,--none were safe from their influence. A question arose, whether even some of the King’s messengers were not “Meeters at Conventicles,” or, at least, persons who kept correspondence with such as went there.[83] Yet, amidst this chaos of informations, not the slightest hint appears of anything like _proof_ of the existence of a Nonconformist plot; and, indeed, for the most part, the narratives furnished are of the idlest description, some of them written by very illiterate persons. [Sidenote: 1681.] Mixed up with complaints about the Nonconformists are discreditable allusions to Churchmen, who, for their moderation and liberality, were suspected of being no better than schismatics. Rumours reached Northampton that Dr. Conant had been made Prebendary of Worcester, much to the wonder “of those who knew what, lately as well as formerly, his actions had been;” but these rumours were contradicted, “much to the satisfaction of all who had any kindness to the King or Church.”[84] Waspish informers, buzzing about the ears of men of office, would under any circumstances have been annoying. Liberally-minded men--or rather men respecting the rights of conscience--whilst keeping their eyes open to detect dangers threatening the State, would have crushed, or at least have brushed away the troublesome insects; but the persons now in power were of a different character. Their known temper as high Churchmen and as high Tories encouraged the tribe to renew that infamous occupation, which happily had been gone now for some few years; and when these reports reached the Secretary, he not only graciously received them, but with his colleagues proceeded to take active measures against the suspected parties. [Sidenote: RENEWED PERSECUTION.]