The Revolution of 1688–9 established in England a brand of political philosophy which dominated Christian political and social theory for a century. The French Revolution brought about a change of emphasis in English clerical argument, a movement from abstract political philosophy to practical social theory. The repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts in 1828, the passing of Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and the First Reform Act of 1832 constituted the most significant group of constitutional reforms since the Revolution Settlement. To what extent were these changes in the constitution of church and state, which had been resisted by the established powers for so long, influenced by that fundamental change of emphasis in Christian political thought, and how far were they simply a response to the exigencies of practical politics? Did they presage a movement back to further consideration of the philosophical and theological foundations of the constitution, or were they a reflection of the new concentration on the need for social stability? Were religious, normative arguments used to justify the policy stances which were adopted, and if so were they employed by reformers, conservatives or both, or did the desire to maintain social order and stability lead statesmen and churchmen to justify their positions on grounds of expediency? Did arguments of principle or of utility predominate?