The new king had been more than a year upon the throne before his accession was proclaimed in Boston, although the neglect to perform the ceremony might have subjected the rulers to the charge of treason.
During the reign of Charles II., however, the American colonies had but little reason to complain of harsh or tyrannical treatment.

But when Charles died, in 1685, and was succeeded by his brother James, the patriarchs of New England began to tremble.

King James was known to be of an arbitrary temper.

It was feared by the Puritans that he would assume despotic power.

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.