Our Saxon ancestors had been governed by limited monarchs in their native seats on the continent; and there is not the least appearance or probability that they relinquished their liberties, and submitted to absolute government in their new settlements in this island.
Spooner argues that the Saxon ancestors maintained their liberties and did not accept absolute rule.
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And yet these reasons, which are really no reasons at all, are the only ones, so far as I know, that have ever been offered for this absurd and brutal doctrine.
From the sale of that justice which every citizen has a right to demand, it was an easy transition to withhold or deny it.
It was a principle of the Common Law, as it is of the law of nature, and of common sense, that no man can be taxed without his personal consent.
In this manner all unjust laws are established, and made operative against the rights of the people.