The able chiefs of the Whig party, among whom Somers was fast rising to ascendency, proposed a middle course.

The House had, they said, two objects in view, which ought to be kept distinct.

One object was to secure the old polity of the realm against illegal attacks: the other was to improve that polity by legal reforms.

The former object might be attained by solemnly putting on record, in the resolution which called the new sovereigns to the throne, the claim of the English nation to its ancient franchises, so that the King might hold his crown, and the people their privileges, by one and the same title deed.

The latter object would require a whole volume of elaborate statutes.