Talvi's History of the Colonization of America (1), Volume 1General Books LLC, 2009 - 392 pages This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1851. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVI. Massachusetts Without A Charter. Fate Of Th1 Other Colonies.--Revolution In England. From 1685 To 1689. In Massachusetts a sullen feeling of heavy oppression lay on the minds of men, as for years, crippled in every limb by a despotic sentence, they looked with fear and reluctance towards an uncertain future. Fifty years of political life had sufficed to-show them the worth of independent citizenship; there were few of the present race who had not imbibed, with their mother's milk, the conviction that to have their civic fate dependent on the will of another, either good or bad, is a kind of slavery which dishonours the free-born man. "What fate w preparing for them? The mother country, the home ot' their fathers, was indescribably dear to them. Amidst all their murmurs and complaints, not a single voice was raised for revolt from the king, who had robbed them of their rights; for allegiance to another power, who, from policy, would have protected their privileges--though this was often feared in England, where men did not understand the peculiarity of their temper, and overrated their physical strength. The gloomy spirit of the people, which could not accustom itself to this new condition, rather showed itself in an apparent apathy. Nothing was done, for no one knew what he durst do. By the fireside the future was often talked over; in the pulpit many a strong word issued from the bolder of the clergy. Moody, now preacher in Boston, and Increase Mather, gave offence to those in power. Afterwards, when the news of the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion came across the sea, men began to stir--and perhaps the bold spirit of the colonists would have broken out, if the account of the speedy suppression of that ill-managed affair had not followed too soo... |
