of this decisive act on the part of the King produced a
profound sensation throughout the colony, and gave rise to the question,
"What shall Massachusetts do?" One part of the colony advocated
_submission_; another party advocated _resistance_. The former were
called the "Moderate party," the latter the "Patriot party"--the
commencement of the two parties which were afterwards known as United
Empire Loyalists and Revolutionists.[188] The Moderate party was led by
the memorable Governor Bradstreet, Stoughton, and Dudley, and included a
majority of the assistants or magistrates, called the "Upper branch of
the Government." The Independence party was headed by the Deputy
Governor Danforth, Gookin, and Nowell, and included a majority of the
House of Deputies, over whose elections and proceedings the elders or
ministers exerted a potent influence.[189]

Governor Bradstreet and a majority of the assistants, or magistrates,
adopted the following resolution:

"The magistrates have voted that an humble address be sent to his
Majesty by this ship, declaring that, upon a serious consideration of
his Majesty's gracious intimations in his former letters, and more
particularly in his late declaration, that his pleasure and purpose is
only to regulate our Charter in such a manner as shall be for his
service and the good of this his colony, and without any other
alteration than what is necessary for the support of his Government
here, we will not presume to contend with his Majesty in a Court of law,
but humbly lay ourselves at his Majesty's feet, in submission to his
pleasure so declared, and that we have resolved by the next opportunity
to send our agents empowered to receive his Majesty's commands
accordingly. And, for saving a default for non-appearance upon the
return of the writ of _quo warranto_, that some person or persons be
appointed and empowered, by letter of attorney, to appear and make
defence until our agents may make their appearance and submission as
above.

"The magistrates have passed this without reference to the consent of
their brethren the deputies hereto.

(Signed) "EDMUND RAWSON, _Secretary_.

"15th November, 1683."

This resolution was laid before the House of Deputies and debated by
them a fortnight, when the majority of them adopted the following
resolution:

"November 30, 1683.--The deputies consent not, but adhere to their
former bills.

"WILLIAM TERRY, _Clerk_."[190]

"They voted instead," sa