Franco-Gallia - Or, An Account of the Ancient Free State of France, and - Most Other Parts of Europe, Before the Loss of Their - Liberties by François Hotman
page 17 of 172 (09%)
page 17 of 172 (09%)
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were the _peculiar_ Care of Providence and all others (even _Kings_ and
_Princes_) were no otherwise fit to be considered by _God Almighty_, or Posterity, than according to their _Kindness_ to them. But it has been generally represented so, where Priests are the Historians. From the first Kings in the World down to these Days, many Instances might be given of very wicked Princes, who have been extravagantly commended; and many excellent ones, whose Memories lie overwhelmed with Loads of Curses and Calumny, just as they proved Favourers or Discountenancers of High-Church, without regard to their other Virtues or Vices: for High-Church is to be found in all Religions and Sects, from the Pagan down to the Presbyterian; and is equally detrimental in every one of them. A Genuine _Whig_ is for promoting a _general Naturalization_, upon the firm Belief, that whoever comes to be incorporated into us, feels his Share of all our Advantages and Disadvantages, and consequently can have no Interest but that of the Publick; to which he will always be a Support to the best of his Power, by his _Person, Substance_ and _Advice_. And if it be a Truth (which few will make a Doubt of) that we are not one _third_ Part peopled (though we are better so in Proportion than any other Part of _Europe, Holland_ excepted) and that our Stock of Men decreases daily thro our Wars, Plantations, and Sea-Voyages; that the ordinary Course of Propagation (even in Times of continued Peace and Health) cou'd not in many Ages supply us with the Numbers we want; that the Security of Civil and Religious Liberty, and of Property, which thro God's great Mercy is firmly establish'd among us, will invite new Comers as fast as we can entertain them; that most of the rest of the World groans under the Weight of _Tyranny_, which will cause all that have Substance, and a Sense of Honour and Liberty, to fly to Places of Shelter; which consequently would thoroughly people us with useful and |
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