The Emperor espoused his cause with all his influence at Rome: and he himself had the address to persuade the Pope, that the interests of the Roman Catholics and the restoration of their religion in Britain, were connected with the success of his enterprise."[1] Macpherson relates the following anecdote, which, he says, "may be joined to other known proofs of this circumstance." He states that Prince Vaudemont was in the confidence of the Prince of Orange, who argued "that the Pope and the Roman Catholic Princes were in the wrong to expect any thing from King James in favour of the Romish faith: that his being declared of that religion made every body jealous of the least and most indifferent step he took: and it was, therefore, impracticable for him to do them any service: for the whole nation would oppose it, as tending to destroy the Church of England: whereas himself being a Protestant, might take any step whatever, and serve them effectually, without the least suspicion: and in case they would favour and promote his attempt upon England, he would undertake to procure a toleration for the Roman Catholics." It is added, that the Pope favoured the scheme under the influence of such feelings: and it is remarked, that the Prince, throughout his reign, gave the Roman Catholics a connivance equal to a toleration.[2] From this statement, the truth of which
- ↑ Macpherson's Papers, i. 299. To this statement may be added another of Calamy's respecting the Dutch. "They had public prayers in the Churches every day for a good while together, which was an unusual thing in that country: and I observed the ministers prayed for a north east wind, by name, which would bring the forces thence hither to the best advantage." Calamy's Account of his own Life, i. 52.
- ↑ Macpherson's Papers, i. 299, 300.
