The difference that happened in the plantation, the treatment of the _Brownes_, and the reports circulated by them, undoubtedly occasioned much talk. Many would think it strange, that, while the charter was totally silent upon the head of religion, and several of the grantees and company though strongly opposed to the tyrannies of the high-churchmen, were real episcopalians; persons of this profession should be debarred the right of worshiping according to their own judgment and consience, and be even expelled the plantation. These occurrences most probably forwarded the plan of Mr. _Craddock_. The advice of learned council was ordered to be taken, and it was considered how to execute the projected removal without offending government. Among the other weighty reasons which induced them to remove, we must include the hope of getting beyond the reach of _Laud_ and the high commissoned court: for the Massachusetts general court declared in 1651, “That seeing just cause to fear the persecution of the then Bishop and high commission, for not conforming to the ceremonies, they thought it their safest course to get to this outside of the world (America) out of their view, and _beyond their reach_. [October 20.] The company, at a general court, proceeded to a new election of officers, who were to repair to and settle in _New-England_. They chose for governor _John Winthrop_, esq. of _Groton_, in _Suffolk_, a gentleman well known for his piety, liberality, wisdom and gravity. The business of transferring the patent and corporation, and of taking over new settlers, was prosecuted with vigor. The enterprise produced a general rumour, as its extent and magnitude, the number and principles of the person engaging in it, opened upon the public. The intentions of the parties being suspected, and jealousies arising concerning them, governor _Winthrop_ and other gentlemen, to remove prejudices, conciliate the minds of the disaffected, and recommend themselves and their expedition to the favourable regards of all serious christians of the episcopal persuasion, addressed their brethren in and of the church of _England_, [April 7, 1630.] and afterwards sailed from _Yarmouth_ in the isle of _Wight_, for _America_. The signers of the address, pray in the most solemn manner to be considered as their brethren, and desire it to be noted, that the principals and body of their company esteem it their honour to call the _church_ of ENGLAND their dear mother. They acknowledge, that such hope and part as they have obtained in the common salvation, they have received in her bosom, and sucked from her breasts. They declare themselves members of her body, and that, while they have breath, they shall sincerely endeavour her welfare. They pronounce themselves a church springing out of her own bowels. Their professions are made in the strongest language.[9]