of deep intrigue, and of great interest in the army,
had long entertained the ambition of succeeding Cromwell in the
protectorship; and he foresaw, that if the monarchy were restored,
hereditary right would also be established, and the crown be transmitted
to the posterity of the prince first elected. He pleaded, therefore,
conscience; and rousing all those civil and religious jealousies against
kingly government, which had been so industriously encouraged among the
soldiers, and which served them as a pretence for so many violences, he
raised a numerous, and still more formidable party, against the motion.

On the other hand, the motion was supported by every one who was more
particularly devoted to the protector, and who hoped, by so acceptable
a measure, to pay court to the prevailing authority. Many persons also,
attached to their country, despaired of ever being able to subvert
the present illegal establishment; and were desirous, by fixing it on
ancient foundations, to induce the protector, from views of his own
safety, to pay a regard to the ancient laws and liberties of the
kingdom. Even the royalists imprudently joined in the measure; and hoped
that, when the question regarded only persons, not forms of government,
no one would any longer balance between the ancient royal family and an
ignoble usurper, who, by blood, treason, and perfidy, had made his way
to the throne.

{1657.} The bill was voted by a considerable majority;
and a committee was appointed to reason with the protector, and to
overcome those scruples which he pretended against accepting so liberal
an offer.

The conference lasted for several days. The committee urged, that all
the statutes and customs of England were founded on the supposition of
regal authority, and could not, without extreme violence, be adjusted
to any other form of government: that a protector, except during the
minority of a king, was a name utterly unknown to the laws; and no man
was acquainted with the extent or limits of his authority; that if it
were attempted to define every part of his jurisdiction, many years, if
not ages, would be required for the execution of so complicated a work;
if the whole power of the king were at once transferred to him, the
question was plainly about a name, and the preference was indisputably
due to the ancient title: that the English constitution was more anxious
concerning the form of government, than concerning the birthright of the
f