To which, if we
add, that monarchy being simple, and most obvious to men, whom
neither experience had instructed in forms of government, nor the
ambition or insolence of empire had taught to beware of the
encroachments of prerogative, or the inconveniences of absolute
power, which monarchy in succession was apt to lay claim to, and
bring upon them, it was not at all strange, that they should not
much trouble themselves to think of methods of restraining any
exorbitances of those to whom they had given the authority over
them, and of balancing the power of government, by placing
several parts of it in different hands. They had neither felt
the oppression of tyrannical dominion, nor did the fashion of the
age, nor their possessions, or way of living, (which afforded
little matter for covetousness or ambition) give them any reason
to apprehend or provide against it; and therefore it is no wonder
they put themselves into such a frame of government, as was not
only, as I said, most obvious and simple, but also best suited to
their present state and condition; which stood more in need of
defence against foreign invasions and injuries, than of
multiplicity of laws. The equality of a simple poor way of
living, confining their desires within the narrow bounds of each
man's small property, made few controversies, and so no need of
many laws to decide them, or variety of officers to superintend
the process, or look after the execution of justice, where there
were but few trespasses, and few offenders.
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