Page:A Declaration of the People's Natural Right to a Share in the Legislature (1775) (IA declarationofpeo00shar).djvu/198

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is generally punished by Oppression, that even the injustice of mankind may demonstrate the justice of an all-ruling Providence in the Government of the World!

This mock Parliament, supported by standing Army, held the nation in slavery (44) from December, 1648, to April, 1653, including the year referred to, as above, for the sense of the then “English Legislature” concerning the authority of Parliament over Virginia and the other Colonies.

In the beginning of 1653, the artful Cromwell found himself so well established in his military post of General, or Imperator, of the standing Army, (for such is the original root both of the name and power of Emperors,) that he ventured,