This instrument, known by the name of the Declaration of Right, was prepared by a committee, of which Somers was chairman.

The fact that the low born young barrister was appointed to so honourable and important a post in a Parliament filled with able and experienced men, only ten days after he had spoken in the House of Commons for the first time, sufficiently proves the superiority of his abilities.

In a few hours the Declaration was framed and approved by the Commons.

The Lords assented to it with some amendments of no great importance.

[671] The Declaration began by recapitulating the crimes and errors which had made a revolution necessary.