hree, of whom the protector chose one. The protector was appointed
supreme magistrate of the commonwealth: in his name was all justice to
be administered; from him were all magistracy and honors derived; he had
the power of pardoning all crimes, excepting murder and treason; to him
the benefit of all forfeitures devolved. The right of peace, war, and
alliance, rested in him but in these particulars he was to act by the
advice and with the consent of his council. The power of the sword
was vested in the protector jointly with the parliament, while it was
sitting, or with the council of state in the intervals. He was obliged
to summon a parliament every three years, and allow them to sit five
months, without adjournment, prorogation, or dissolution. The bills
which they passed were to be presented to the protector for his assent;
but if within twenty days it were not obtained, they were to become laws
by the authority alone of parliament. A standing army for Great Britain
and Ireland was established, of twenty thousand foot and ten thousand
horse; and funds were assigned for their support. These were not to be
diminished without *consent of the protector; and in this article alone
he assumed a negative, During the intervals of parliament, the protector
and council had the power of enacting laws, which were to be valid till
the next meeting of parliament. The chancellor, treasurer, admiral,
chief governors of Ireland and Scotland, and the chief justices of both
the benches, must be chosen with the approbation of parliament; and in
the intervals, with the approbation of the council, to be afterwards
ratified by parliament. The protector was to enjoy his office during
life; and on his death, the place was immediately to be supplied by the
council. This was the instrument of government enacted by the council of
officers, and solemnly sworn to by Oliver Cromwell. The council of
state named by the instrument, were fifteen; men entirely devoted to the
protector, and by reason of the opposition among themselves in party and
principles, not likely ever to combine against him.

Cromwell said, that he accepted the dignity of protector, merely that he
might exert the duty of a constable, and preserve peace in the nation.
Affairs indeed were brought to that pass, by the furious animosities of
the several factions, that the extensive authority and even arbitrary
power of some first magistrate was become a necessary evil, in order
to kee