George Bancroft, History of the United States from the Discovery of the American Continent, Vol. 4, 15th edition.

[61] from the boldest and most fervid heart in New Eng-

chap. III.} 1750.

] and, and were addressed to the multitude from the pulpit and through the press. Boston received the doctrine, and its ablest citizens delighted in the friendship of the eloquent teacher.

The words of Mayhew were uttered at a time when ‘the plautations engaged the whole thoughts of the men in power,’ who were persuaded that all America was struggling to achieve a perfect legislative independence, and that New Jersey at least was in a slate of rebellion. At a great council in February, 1750, the Board of Trade¹ was commanded to propose such measures as would restore and establish the prerogative in its utmost extent throughout the colonies. ‘Bedford,² the Lords of Trade, the Privy Council,’—all, had American affairs ‘much at heart:’ and resolved to give ease to colonial governors and ‘their successors for ever.’ The plea for the interposition of the supreme legislature was found in the apprehension that a separate empire was forming. ‘Fools,’ said the elder proprietary, Penn, ‘are always telling their fears that the colonies will set up for themselves;’³ and their alarm was increased by Franklin's plan of an Academy at Philadelphia. Fresh importunities succeeded each other from America; and when Bedford sent assurances of his purpose to support the royal authority, he was referred by the crown officers of New York to the papers in the office of the Board of Trade, relating to Hunter, who,