Page:A Declaration of the People's Natural Right to a Share in the Legislature (1775) (IA declarationofpeo00shar).djvu/201

 the people of England, Scotland, or even of Ireland, of their just right to a free and frequent Representation in Parliament. Now, “the English Legislature” of 1653, (for the Title is not less due than it was in 1650,) having continued their sittings for about five months, dissolved themselves, and returned the instrument of their Sovereignty to the General and his military Council (47) And, two days afterwards, the Council of Officers, by virtue of this devolved authority, which the sham Parliament (of their own creating and appointing) had re-delivered into their hands, were pleased to declare, that, for the future, the Government of the Republic (48) (plainly meaning, as