t is evident too that the mention of the Jesuits and other
evil advisers of James weakens, instead of strengthening, the case
against him. For surely more indulgence is due to a man misled by
pernicious counsel than to a man who goes wrong from the mere impulse of
his own mind. It is idle, however, to examine these memorable words as
we should examine a chapter of Aristotle or of Hobbes. Such words are
to be considered, not as words, but as deeds. If they effect that which
they are intended to effect, they are rational, though they may be
contradictory. It they fail of attaining their end, they are absurd,
though they carry demonstration with them. Logic admits of no
compromise. The essense of politics is compromise. It is therefore
not strange that some of the most important and most useful political
instruments in the world should be among the most illogical compositions
that ever were penned. The object of Somers, of Maynard, and of the
other eminent men who shaped this celebrated motion was, not to leave
to posterity a model of definition and partition, but to make the
restoration of a tyrant impossible, and to place on the throne a
sovereign under whom law and liberty might be secure. This object they
attained by using language which, in a philosophical treatise, would
justly be reprehended as inexact and confused. They cared little whether
their major agreed with their conclusion, if the major secured two
hundred votes, and the conclusion two hundred more. In fact the one
beauty of the resolution is its inconsistency. There was a phrase for
every subdivision of the majority. The mention of the original contract
gratified the disciples of Sidney. The word abdication conciliated
politicians of a more timid school. There were doubtless many fervent
Protestants who were pleased with the censure cast on the Jesuits. To
the real statesman the single important clause was that which declared
the throne vacant; and, if that clause could be carried, he cared little
by what preamble it might be introduced. The force which was thus united
made all resistance hopeless. The motion was adopted by the Committee
without a division. It was ordered that the report should be instantly
made. Powle returned to the chair: the mace was laid on the table:
Hampden brought up the resolution: the House instantly agreed to it, and
ordered him to carry it to the Lords. [644]

On the following morning the Lords assembled early. The benches both