timate very highly that sort
of loyalty, much less to recognize the Massachusetts assumptions under
the old Charter, though he was ready to redress every just complaint and
secure to them all the privileges of British subjects.[207] Mr.
Hutchinson says: "Soon after the withdrawal of King James, Dr. Mather
was introduced to the Prince of Orange by Lord Wharton, and presented
the circular before mentioned, for confirming Governors being sent to
New England. The 14th of March, Lord Wharton introduced him again to the
King, when, after humbly congratulating his Majesty on his accession,
Dr. Mather implored his Majesty's favour to New England. The King
promised all the favour in his power, but hinted at what had been
irregular in their former government; whereupon Dr. Mather undertook
that upon the first word they would reform any irregularities they
should be advised of, and Lord Wharton offered to be their guarantee.
The King then said that he would give orders that Sir Edmund Andros
should be removed and called to an account for his maladministration,
and that the King and Queen should be proclaimed (in Massachusetts) by
the former magistrates. Dr. Mather was a faithful agent, and was
unwearied in securing friends for his country. Besides several of the
nobility and principal commoners, he had engaged the dissenting
ministers, whose weight at that time was far from inconsiderable."[208]

Dr. Mather's earnestness, ability, and appeals made a favourable
impression on the mind of the King, supported as they were by liberal
Churchmen as well as Nonconformists, and also by the entreaties of the
Queen. The King, on the eve of going to Holland, where he was long
detained--which delayed the issuing of the Massachusetts Charter for
twelve months--directed the Chief Justice, Attorney and
Solicitor-Generals to prepare the draft of a new Charter for
Massachusetts. They did so, embodying the provisions of the old Charter,
with additional provisions to give powers which had not been given but
had been usurped in the administration of the old Charter. The majority
of the King's Council disapproved of this draft of Charter, and directed
the preparation of a second draft. Both drafts were sent over to Holland
to the King, with the reasons for and against each; his Majesty agreed
with the majority of his Council in disapproving of the first, and
approving of the second draft of Charter.[209]

But even before the King and his Council decid