trusted  certain  persons  with  the  legislative  power,  the  funda-
mental laws  are  excepted  from  their,  commission.  .  .  .  Legis-
lators derive  their  powers  from  the  Constitution.  IIow,  then,
can  they  destroy  it  without  destroying  the  foundation  of  their
authority?  By  the  fundamental  laws  of  England,  the  two
Houses  of  Parliament,  in  concert  with  the  King,  exercise  the
Legislative  power;  but  if  the  two  Houses  should  resolve  to  sup-
press themselves,  and  to  invest  the  King  with  the  full  and  ab-
solute Government,  certainly  the  nation  would  not  suffer  it.
