Page 41
CHAP. III. King James not only designed, but attempted, and made a considerable progress in our Destruction.
SECT. I. The Introduction to the proof of this head, grounded on a short view of the State of Ireland, at the time of King James's coming to the Crown; and of the vain assurances Protestants gave themselves of Security from the consideration of their Merits towards him; the Repute of his good Nature, and his own true Interest.
1. THE destruction of a People is so horrid a thing, that it is not easie to persuade a good natured Man that such an unnatural design can enter into any ones heart: and we our selves though al∣most ruined, dare hardly relate it to others lest they should not believe us. It is certain that if the Protestants of these Kingdoms could have believed that King James would have attempted what he did, they would never have entred into such Feuds against their fellow Subjects and Friends to pre∣vent his Exclusion: but their Zeal for the Monarchy and Succession, made them willing to overlook the danger; and they persuaded themselves that the absurdity and dif∣culty of the thing, would keep him if he came to the Crown, from attempting it, notwithstanding they knew that his Principles inclined him, and his Counsellors would prompt him to it. I question much if any thing but sad Experi∣ence would ever have opened the Eyes, or convinced the generality of these Nations that his designs were such as we found them in the event: and perhaps it is worth all our Sufferings, though very heavy, to have learned (as we have done) by this Example, never to trust Men of King James's