But a third section, which, though not very numerous, had great weight and influence, recommended a very different plan.

The leaders of this small band were Danby and the Bishop of London in the House of Lords, and Sir Robert Sawyer in the House of Commons.

They conceived that they had found out a way of effecting a complete revolution under strictly legal forms.

It was contrary to all principle, they said, that the King should be deposed by his subjects; nor was it necessary to depose him.

He had himself, by his flight, abdicated his power and dignity.