her, and of all
pious men, not only on account of the sufferings of the people, but
because the old moral and religious character of New England was in danger
of being utterly lost."

"How glorious it would have been," remarked Laurence, "if our forefathers
could have kept the country unspotted with blood."

"Yes," said Grandfather; "but there was a stern warlike spirit in them,
from the beginning. They seem never to have thought of questioning either
the morality or piety of war."

The next event, which Grandfather spoke of, was one that Cotton Mather, as
well as most of the other inhabitants of New England, heartily rejoiced
at. This was the accession of the Elector of Hanover to the throne of
England, in 1714, on the death of Queen Anne. Hitherto, the people had
been in continual dread that the male line of the Stuarts, who were
descended from the beheaded King Charles and the banished King James,
would be restored to the throne. In that case, as the Stuart family were
Roman Catholics, it was supposed that they would attempt to establish
their own religion throughout the British dominions. But the Elector of
Hanover, and all his race, were Protestants; so that now the descendants
of the old Puritans were relieved from many fears and disquietudes.

"The importance of this event," observed Grandfather, "was a thousand
times greater than that of a Presidential Election, in our own days. If
the people dislike their president, they may get rid of him in four years;
whereas, a dynasty of kings may wear the crown for an unlimited period."

The German elector was proclaimed king from the balcony of the town-house,
in Boston, by the title of George the First, while the trumpets sounded,
and the people cried Amen. That night, the town was illuminated; and
Cotton Mather threw aside book and pen, and left Grandfather's chair
vacant, while he walked hither and thither to witness the rejoicings.

Chapter VI

"Cotton Mather," continued Grandfather, "was a bitter enemy to Governor
Dudley; and nobody exulted more than he, when that crafty politician was
removed from the government, and succeeded by Colonel Shute. This took
place in 1716. The new governor had been an officer in the renowned Duke
of Marlborough's army, and had fought in some of the great battles in
Flanders."

"Now, I hope," said Charley, "we shall hear of his doing great things."

"I am afraid you will be disappointed, Charley," answered Grandfather.