It then appointed its officers, whose powers and authorities are described in that constitution, and the government of that society then commenced.

Those officers, by whatever name they are called, have no authority to add to, alter, or abridge the original articles.

It is only to the constituting power that this right belongs.
From the want of understanding the difference between a constitution and a government, Dr.Johnson, and all writers of his description, have always bewildered themselves.

They could not but perceive, that there must necessarily be a controlling power existing somewhere, and they placed this power in the discretion of the persons exercising the government, instead of placing it in a constitution formed by the nation.

When it is in a constitution, it has the nation for its support, and the natural and the political controlling powers are together.