Now it is the
work of a Parliament to break the Tyrant's bands, to abolish all
their oppressing Laws, and to give orders, encouragements and
directions unto the poor oppressed people of the Land, that they
forthwith plant and manure this their own Land, for the free and
comfortable livelihood of themselves and posterities. And to
declare to them, it is their own Creation-Rights, faithfully and
courageously recovered by their diligence, purses and blood from
under the Kingly Tyrant's and Oppressor's Power.
"THE WORK OF A PARLIAMENT--SECONDLY,
"Is to abolish all old Laws and Customs which have been the
strength of the Oppressor, and to prepare and then to enact new
Laws for the ease and freedom of the people, but yet not without
the people's knowledge.[197:1]
"For the work of a Parliament herein is three-fold:
"_First_, When old Laws and Customs of the Kings do burden the
people, and the people desire the remove of them, and the
establishment of more easy Laws: it is now the work of a Parliament
to search into Reason and Equity, how relief may be found for the
people in such a case, and to preserve a Common Peace. And when
they have found a way by debate of counsel among themselves,
whereby the people may be relieved, they are not presently to
establish their conclusions for a Law.
Pages:
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291