Pietas in patriam the life of His Excellency Sir William Phips, Knt. late Captain…

Governor Phips had, as every Raised and Useful Person must have, his envious Enemies; but the palest Envy of them, who turned their worst Enmity upon him, could not hinder them from confessing, That according to the best of his Apprehension, he ever sought the good of his Country: His Country quickly felt this on innumerable Occasions; and they had it eminently demonstrated, as well in his promoting and Approving the Councils Choice of good Judges, Justices and Sheriffs, ⟨p. 64⟩which being once established, no Successor could remove them, as in his urging the General Assembly to make themselves happy by preparing a Body of Good Laws, as fast as they could, which being passed by him in his Time, could not be nulled by any other after him.

Governour Phips had, as every Raised and Useful Person must have, his envious Enemies; but the palest Envy of them, who turned their worst Enmity upon him, could not hinder them from confessing, That according to the best of his Apprehension, he ever sought the good of his Country: His Country quickly felt this on innumerable Occasions; and they had it eminently demonstrated, as well in his promoting and Approving the Councils Choice of good Judges, Justices and Sheriffs, ⟨p. 64⟩which being once established, no Successour could remove them, as in his urging the General Assembly to make themselves happy by preparing a Body of Good Laws, as fast as they could, which being passed by him in his Time, could not be nulled by any other after him.

He would often speak to the Members of the General Assembly, in such Terms as these, Gentlemen, you may make your selves, as easy as you will for ever; consider what may have any tendency to your welfare; and you may be sure that whatever Bills you offer to me consistent with the Honour and Interest of the Crown, I'll pass them readily; I do but seek Opportunities to serve you; had it not been for the sake of this thing, I had never accepted the Government of this Province; and when ever you have settled such a Body of good Laws, that no Person coming after me, may make you uneasy, I shall desire not one Day longer to continue in the Government. Accordingly, he ever passed every Act for the welfare of the Province proposed unto him; and instead of ever putting them upon Buying his Assent unto any good Act, he was much forwarder to give it, than they were to ask it: Nor indeed, had the Hunger of a Salary, any such Impression upon him, as to make him decline doing all possible Service, for the Public while he was not sure of having any proportionable, or honourable acknowledgements.