( 3*' ) 



ftitutlon affumed that folidity which has enabled it to 

 ftruggle with and overcome all fubfequent attempts to 

 deftroy it. 



The reign of his fucceflbr called the principles of the 

 conftitution into fatal a&ion. Apprehenfion for their 

 juft rights led even the parliament to ufe the high tone 

 of modern philofophy with refpecl: to the duties of go- 

 vernors, and the rights of the governed ; and his people 

 loudly and dreadfully taught him, that he was endowed 

 with authority for their fake. 



The reign of Edward the 3d was able and brilliant ; 

 but the ftriking paflages of his parliamentary hiftory, are 

 the ftrong attempts made to trench on the executive go- 

 vernment in the adminiftration of the public money, and 

 appointment of public officers, to which his rieceffities 

 fometimes conftrained him to yield. It is evident that 

 Edward generally reigned profperoufly and happily by 

 feeking to acquire the confidence and good will of his 

 people through a due obfervance of the conftitution of their 

 government ; tho fometimes deceived, and fometimes led 

 aftray by his pafllons. 



The minority of Richard 2d gave occafion to the par- 

 liament to aflume with effeft their important character 

 of council of the crown and of the nation. When he 

 attained majority, his youthful years were full of extra- 

 vagant attempts againft the conftitution) and his reign 

 fet in blood. 



Henry the 4th was called to the throne by the voice 

 of the people, to deliver them from attempts againft 

 their conftitutional rights j and his fucceflion ftrongly 

 refembled that of William and Mary upon the revolution 

 in 1689. The reigning King had abufed the powers in- 

 truded to him; had avowed himfelf inimcial to the efta- 

 blimed laws i and the people to prcferve the coiiftitution 



VOL. n. * *f 



