King James was a bigoted Roman Catholic, and was known to be of an arbitrary temper.

It was feared by all Protestants, and chiefly by the Puritians, that he would assume despotic power, and attempt to establish Popery throughout his dominions.

Our forefathers felt that they had no security either for their religion or their liberties.
The result proved that they had reason for their apprehensions.

King James caused the charters of all the American colonies to be taken away.

The old charter of Massachusetts, which the people regarded as a holy thing, and as the foundation of all their liberties, was declared void.