In France also, they were main Instruments in the loss of that Nation's
Liberty; For, it so hapned, that when the most part of France
Was possest by the English, there was a necessity to discontinue the
Assembly of the 3. Estates, which was the Bulwark of the French Liberty,
and to put an absolute power into the hands of charls the 7th
during the war; which Lewis the eleventh, having a minde to continue
in his own hands after the war was don, took care to oblige the
nobility unto himselfe by large Immunities, so that they were easily.
drawn to betray the Peoples Liberties and leave them to the mercy
of the King, since when an absolute Tyranny hath been continued
there to this very day, wherein the nobility having a share allowed
joyn issue ever with the King to a miserable inslaving of the poor
People.
We know the Cafe hath been the same here with us too in England,
all along since the conquest; and in Holland, it may be observed as
one principall Cause of their long subsistence against the Spaniard,
that the main authority hath been reserved in the peoples hands, and
not much allotted to the Nobility, so that they have been the less
considerable for effecting any designe against the publick Liberty,
their power being small, and they but few in number. But the
Swizers took a surer course for the preservation of their Liberty, and
banish'd them; which had they not done, it had been almost impossible
for them (as things then stood) to stand against that shock
of Fury, wherewith they were assailed on every side, by the French,
Burgundian, and Austrian Tyrants.
Now, what we have here said of a Titular Nobility, extends likewise
to all Hereditary or Standing Powers whatsoever, because they
are in effect; equivalent, and have the same influences and interests
to the prejudice of Freedom, being concerned to preserve themselves
in a Station above the ordinary standard of the People, and therefore
are naturally inclined to side any way (as they fee occasion)
with any powerfull persons whatsoever, that are able to gratifie
them in the increase of their Lordly Interest and domination. And
therefore, from all these Instances and Examples, as we may easily conclude
our Position; that a Titular Nobility, or Hereditary Powers, are
not only inconvenient, but altogether inconsistent with a Commonwealth,
because of their implacable animosity, and natural compliance
with any Power against the Peoples Interest; so it cannot but
make mightily for the honor of all Founders of Free states, that have
or shall provide for the Peoples Interest, and block up the way against
Tyranny, in keeping a due proportion, equability, or harmony
of condition among all the Member, by placing the Authority
in the Peoples hands; that is, in a due and orderly succession of their Supream
Assemblies