ovisions
of the second draft of Charter,[212] and sent his objections to it to
King William, who was in Holland. The King disapproved of Dr. Mather's
objections, and approved of the Charter as revised and as was finally
issued, and under which Massachusetts was governed and prospered for
three-fourths of a century, notwithstanding the continued opposition of
a set of separationists and smugglers in Boston, who had always been the
enemies of loyal and liberal government under the first Charter.[213]
But when the new Charter passed the Seals, and the nomination of the
first Governor was left to the agent of Massachusetts, Dr. Mather
changed his language of protest into that of gratitude. He nominated Sir
William Phips; and on being introduced to the King, at parting, by the
Earl of Nottingham, made the following speech:

"Sir, I do, in behalf of New England, most humbly thank your Majesty, in
that you have been pleased by a Charter to restore English liberties
unto them, to confirm them in their properties, and to grant them some
peculiar privileges. I doubt not but your subjects will demean
themselves with that dutiful affection and loyalty to your Majesty, as
that you will see cause to enlarge your Royal favour towards them; and I
do most humbly thank your Majesty that you have been pleased to leave to
those that are concerned for New England to nominate their Governor."

"Sir William Phips has been accordingly nominated by us at the Council
Board. He has done good service to the Crown, by enlarging your
dominions and reducing Nova Scotia to your obedience; I know that he
will faithfully serve your Majesty to the utmost of his capacity; and if
your Majesty shall think fit to confirm him in that place, it will be a
further obligation to your subjects there."

"Hereupon Sir William Phips was admitted to kiss his Majesty's hand; and
was, by commission under the Broad Seal, appointed Captain-General over
the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England."[214]

In the preamble of the Charter, the dates, objects and provisions of
previous Charters are recited, and titles to property, etc., acquired
under them confirmed; after which it was provided--

1. That there should be "one Governor, one Lieutenant or Deputy
Governor, one Secretary of the Province, twenty-eight councillors or
members of assembly, to be chosen by popular election, and to possess
and exercise the general powers of legislation and government."

2. Th