THE NEW-ENGLAND REVOLUTION OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.


In the first week of March, 1689, Sir Edmund Andros returned to Boston
from an expedition against the Indians of Maine. He had now governed New
England more than two years for King James II., imitating, in his narrow
sphere, the insolent despotism of his master.

The people had no share in the government, which was conducted by Andros
with the aid of Counsellors appointed by the King. Some of these were
the Governor's creatures,--English adventurers, who came to make their
fortunes. Their associates of a different character were so treated that
they absented themselves from the Council-Board, and at length not even
formal meetings were held. Heavy taxes were arbitrarily imposed on the
inhabitants. Excessive fees were demanded for the transaction of
business in the courts and public offices. Town-meetings were forbidden,
except one to be held in each year for the choice of assessing-officers.
The ancient titles to land in the Colony were declared to be worthless,
and proprietors were required to secure themselves by taking out new
patents from the Governor, for which high prices were extorted.
Complaint of these usurpations was severely punished by fine and
imprisonment. An order that "no man should remove out of the country
without the Governor's leave" cut off whatever small chance existed of
obtaining redress in England. The religious feelings of the people were
outraged. The Governor directed the opening of the Old South Church in
Boston for worship according to the English ritual. If the demand had
been for the use of the building for a mass, or for a carriage-house for
Juggernaut, it would scarcely have given greater displeasure.