Page:A Declaration of the People's Natural Right to a Share in the Legislature (1775) (IA declarationofpeo00shar).djvu/75

for the privileges which the Parliament of Ireland has maintained and enjoyed, both before and since that time, (clearly distinct and separate from the British Parliament,) afford a better and more authentic precedent on the other side of the question, (viz, in behalf of the people's natural Rights,) than the Act itself, does against them: for, as the King and the People (including the Lords and Commons) of Great-Britain, constitute the sovereign Power (under God) or Legislature of Great-Britain, so the King and the People of Ireland are the natural and constitutional Legislature or State of that kingdom, and actually exercise (both in Legislation and Taxation) their distinct jurisdiction, to this day; which is the best proof of their Right: and, in like manner, according to this ancient and established legal precedent, the King, together with the People of every distinct province, subject to the imperial