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THE

BRITISH

REFORMER'S ADVOCATE.

SECTION I.

A CONSERVATIVE'S VIEW OF THE BRITISH CONSTITUTION.

THE Civil constitution of Britain forms its peculiar glory, and is so intimately connected with the genius and manners of the people, that the best description can only approach towards the truth. It is a limited monarchy, balanced by two senatorial houses. The executive power is vested in the king, and the legislative in the two senates, which represent the people. The utility of the latter originates from their forming one interest with the people; but when they have acted a contrary part, they have become dangerous instruments of oppression, and have been wisely discontinued in other nations. The stability of the British senates has arisen from their general concurrence with the popular voice, partly from their construction, and partly from their connection with the people.

The power of the king, though limited, is very extensive. He combines in his person the dignity of a chief magistrate, with the sanctity of an high-priest. He is the temporal head of the church, and since Henry VIII. assumed that power, he has received the title of His Sacred Majesty. The crown is hereditary, females not being excepted; but the sovereign must profess the Protestant religion. At his coronation, he solemnly engages to govern according to the statutes and laws of the kingdom, to maintain the Protestant religion, preserve the legal rights and

B

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