During the reign of King James II. the hardships under which the people
of Britain laboured, and the troubles they apprehended, brought much
strength to the colonies. The unsuccessful or unfortunate part of mankind
are easily induced to emigrate; but the oppressed and persecuted are
driven from their country, however closely their affections may cleave to
it. Such imprudent attempts were made by this prince against what the
nation highly revered, that many Protestants deserted it, preferring the
hardships of the first state of colonization abroad, to oppression at
home. So far was he from concealing his attachment to the Popish
religion, that he gloried in the open profession of it, and took every
opportunity of transferring both the legal authority and military command
into the hands of such men as were best affected to that religion, and
would most readily contribute their assistance towards the accomplishment
of his favourite design. The Protestants in general were alarmed, and
filled with the most gloomy apprehensions from the bloody and persecuting
spirit of the Popish faction. They foresaw the subversion of their
religion and liberties, and fled over the Atlantic from the approaching
rigours of persecution, being determined to submit to any hardships
abroad, rather than to the establishment of Popery in England.

[Sidenote] Cause of migration from France.

The next acquisition America gained, was from the revocation of the edict
of Nantz; in consequence of which the flames of persecution broke out in
France, and drove many of its best subjects out of that kingdom. These
Protestant refugees were beneficial in many respects to England and
Holland, and served greatly to promote the trade and manufactures of
these nations. Among the other colonies in America which reaped advantage
from this impolitic measure of France, Carolina had a large share. Many