BOOK III PART II
rious answer.
It does not belong to my present purpose to
shew, that these general principles are applica-
ble to the late revolution; and that all the rights
and privileges, which ought to be sacred to a
free nation, were at that time threatened with
the utmost danger. I am better pleased to leave
this controverted subject, if it really admits of
controversy; and to indulge myself in some
philosophical reflections, which naturally arise
from that important event.
First, We may observe, that should the lords
and commons in our constitution, without any
reason from public interest, either depose the
king in being, or after his death exclude the
prince, who, by laws and settled custom, ought
to succeed, no one would esteem their proceed-
ings legal, or think themselves bound to com-