Section 4

Sect. IV.

Now we come to the forfeiture (saith the Doctor) of this power, if the Prince, say they, will not discharge his trust, then it falls to the people or the two Houses (the representative body of the people) to see to it, and to reassume that power, and thereby to resist. This they conceive to follow upon the derivation of power from the people by virtue of election, and upon the stipulation or covenant of the Prince with the people, as also to be necessary in regard of th•se means of safety which every state should have within it self. We will examin• them in order.

NOw we come to the forfeiture (saith the Doctor) of this power, if the Prince, say they, will not discharge his trust, then it falls to the people or the two Houses (the representative body of the people) to see to it, and to reassume that power, and thereby to resist. This they conceive to follow upon the derivation of power from the people by vertue of election, and upon the stipulation or covenant of the Prince with the people, as also to be necessary in regard of th•se meanes of safety which every state should have within it selfe. Wee will examin• them in order.

Ans. Herein he doth charge us with this opinion, that we hold it lawful for the people to reassume their power, in case the Prince dischargeth not his trust, making the world believe that we contend for deposing of Kings; or that the Parliament goes about such a work as that is▪ for what else is it for the people or Parliament to re-assume their power from the Prince? whereas we desire all the world should know, that we now take up arms as an act of self-preservation, not endeavouring o• intending to thrust the King from his Office, though for the present the State sets some under the King at the Stere, till the waters be calmed, as we said before.