Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/128

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NEW ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES II. AND JAMES II.
Bk. I.

sound learning. Several of them had enjoyed a university education in England, and were men of considerable acquirements. Their literary taste was of course in accordance with their religious views. We find Josselyn carrying with him from England to "Mr. Cotton, the teacher of Boston Church," the same who defended the cause of Massachusetts intolerance against the attacks of Roger Williams, "the translation of several Psalms in English metre for his approbation, as a present from Mr. Francis Quarles, the poet." Controversial divinity was extensively cultivated. Free schools and grammar schools were provided. A sort of training college had been established at Newtown, a suburb of Boston, which Mr. John Harvard, at his death in 1638, endowed with his library and half his estate. It was now styled by the name of the generous benefactor, and the place was called Cambridge after the famous University in England.By annual grants, donations of individuals, etc., the new college was enabled to lay the foundation of its future strength and influence. It was at Cambridge—about 1640—that the first printing press in America, was set up. Who could then have dreamed what less than two hundred years has brought forth, or have predicted the mighty power of the press in the nineteenth century?

CHAPTER XII.

1660—1688.

NEW ENGLAND UNDER CHARLES II. AND JAMES II.

Restoration of Charles II.—Course adopted by the colonists—Declaration of Rights—Internal difficulties and trials—Majority in favor of resisting royal supremacy—Consequences of the Restoration in England—Massachusetts' commission—The king's reply—Winthrop's and Clarke's mission for Connecticut and Rhode Island—Charter of Connecticut—Its principles—Charter of Rhode Island—Toleration according to Rhode Island laws—Massachusetts' reply to king's requisitions—Commissioners sent out—Their course and ill success—The king's summons—His probable designs—King Philip's war—Its fearful details—Philip's death—Results—Peace—New Hampshire—Randolph collector of royal customs—Charter declared to be forfeited—Andros appointed governor—Connecticut—Saving of her charter—Revolution in England of 1688.

It was with no little anxiety that the New England colonists watched the rapid progress of that revolution in the mother country which led to the restoration of Charles II. to the throne of England; and it seemed a curious coincidence that the same vessel which brought the news to Boston, in July, brought also two of the regicide judges, Whalley and Goffe, who had fled to the New World to escape the vengeance of the son of Charles I. These were well received by Endicott the governor, and for a time they lived without disguise or concealment. The news having been con-