The Virginia company were ready to give them a patent, with as ample privileges as they could grant; but, notwithstanding the great interest made by gentlemen of the first character, and by the chief secretary of state, the king and bishops refused to allow the refugees (though at the distance of 3000 miles) liberty of conscience under the royal seal. All they could obtain from his majesty, was a promise that he would connive at, and not molest them, provided they carried themselves peaceably; but he would not tolerate them by his public authority. Upon this occasion, it was wisely observed, “If his majesty’s promise is no security, a further confirmation will be of little value, though it has a seal as broad as the house floor, it will not serve the turn, for there will be means enough found, when wanted, to recall or reverse it; and we must rest herein on God’s providence.” This reasoning and the hope of being placed beyond the reach of ecclesiastic courts, prevailed. They resolved to venture; and after long attendance, much cost and labor, obtained a patent. They agreed that the minor part of younger and stronger men, with Mr. _Brewster_, an elder of the church, should go first, and that the pastor, Mr. _Robinson_, should remain behind with the majority, for a future favorable opportunity. Their enemies whispered, that the stats of _Holland_ were weary of their company; but the reverse was evident from the following occurrence, viz. the magistrates of the city, when reproving the _Walloons_ in open court, said, “_These_ English _have lived now ten years among us, and yet we never had any accusation against any of them, whereas your quarrels are continual_.”