and their nation;
although so small a scantling in number, that men can scarce reckon
of them more than a _quorum_; insomuch that it is less difficult to
conceive how fire was first brought to light in the world than how
any good thing could ever be produced out of an House of Commons so
constituted, unless as that is imagined to have come from the rushing
of trees, or battering of rocks together, by accident, so these, by
their clashing with one another, have struck out an useful effect
from so unlikely causes. But whatsoever casual good hath been wrought
at any time by the assimilation of ambitious, factious and
disappointed members, to the little, but solid, and unbiassed party,
the more frequent ill effects, and consequences of so unequal a
mixture, so long continued, are demonstrable and apparent. For while
scarce any man comes thither with respect to the publick service, but
in design to make and raise his fortune, it is not to be expressed,
the debauchery, and lewdness, which, upon occasion of election to
Parliaments, are now grown habitual thorow the nation. So that the
vice, and the expence, are risen to such a prodigious height, that
few sober men can indure to stand to be chosen on such conditions.
From whence also arise feuds, and perpetual animosities, over most of
the counties and corporations, while gentlemen of worth, spirit, and
ancient estates and dependances, see themselves overpowered in their
own neighbourhood by the drunkness and bribery, of their competitors.
But if nevertheless any worthy person chance to carry the election,
some mercenary or corrupt sheriff makes a double return, and so the
cause is handed to the Committee of elections, who ask no better, but
are ready to adopt his adversary into the House if he be not
legitimate. And if the gentleman agrieved seek his remedy against the
sheriff in Westminster-Hall, and the proofs be so palpable, that the
King's Bench cannot invent how to do him injustice, yet the major
part of the twelve judges shall upon better consideration vacate the
sheriff's fine and reverse the judgement; but those of them that dare
dissent from their brethren are in danger to be turned off the bench
without any cause assigned. While men therefore care not thus how
they get into the House of Commons, neither can it be expected that
they should make any conscience of what