James Bertie, Earl of Abingdon, had, on the contrary, been regarded as a supporter of arbitrary government.

He had been true to James in the days of the Exclusion Bill.

He had, as Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, acted with vigour and severity against the adherents of Monmouth, and had lighted bonfires to celebrate the defeat of Argyle.
But dread of Popery had driven him into opposition and rebellion.

He was the first peer of the realm who made his appearance at the quarters of the Prince of Orange.

[520] But the King had less to fear from those who openly arrayed themselves against his authority, than from the dark conspiracy which had spread its ramifications through his army and his family.