23O Cruelty of James the Second. 



the kingdom, as the means of subduing the in- 

 dependence of the people, and compelling obe- 

 dience to the tenets of her faith : the other, 

 endeavoring to overcome their prejudices, by 

 conferring benefits, and diffusing comfort and 

 happiness. 



The calamities endured by the inhabitants of 

 Derry, under their intrepid leader, the Rev. 

 George Walker, during the siege in 1689, afford 

 a glorious example of perseverance. What a 

 contrast is exhibited between their heroic vir- 

 tue, and the pusillanimity and meanness of 

 James the Second, who, incapable of appreciat- 

 ing what was great, has left the record of a bar- 

 barity behind him, almost without example. 

 This King's letter to his General, commenting 

 with severity on his having suffered some of the 

 half-famished inhabitants of the city to quit it, 

 and directing him in future to drive them back, 

 is still preserved in the University of Dublin. 



The exercise of power for the exclusive be- 

 nefit of mankind, rarely fails in the end to excite 

 gratitude and admiration. It is fit the abuse of 

 it should meet in its reward a due share of ex- 

 ecration. How enviable must the feelings of 

 that monarch be, who, in the possession of the 

 means, has the desire of bestowing lasting obli- 



