The character of the bench was no more altered by the Restoration than by the rebellion. If the traditions of forty years had clung too closely to be shaken off by those who might perhaps wish to be rid of them, they were not likely to be removed ten years later by those whose interest it was to retain them. The only practical difference was that the judges, whose duty as partisans of the government had been sealed by time and recognised by all who were concerned in the government, could now return to their more natural sphere as servants of the crown as well. Thenceforward until the end of the Stuart monarchy they were indispensable as allies of the king, protectors of the administration, shining examples of loyalty well applied and labour serviceably directed. They possessed moreover the signal advantage of being able to enforce the example which they inculcated. Those who did not obtained an evil reputation at court; and Sir Matthew Hale was looked at askance as one who was suspected of not lending a whole-hearted support to the government.[497] Even the theoretical advantage which had been gained by the Long Parliament now disappeared. Charles II took advantage of the lengthy prorogation of 1665 quietly to reintroduce appointments “at the good pleasure” of the crown.[498] There was however some change for the better. A large majority of the nation was for the first time for thirty years united in sympathy with the government. The universal desire was for peace and stability. The great constitutional questions which had rent the kingdom and distracted the bench lay for the moment at rest. Government was no longer divided against itself; what was now found in opposition was not a combination of popular feeling with constitutional principle, to crush which the law must be strained by a serviceable judiciary, but a discredited party of fanatics and dissenters, the dregs of a defeated rebellion, against whom the law could be directed legally and to the satisfaction of the vast majority of the king’s subjects.