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ization of Parliament, the baron became separated from his 
dependants, and his protection became more fictitious than real. 
Voluntary associations of the people were formed, and thus the 
force of the feudal connection became weakened. Commerce 
arose, and by it the efforts of man expanded immensely. Inform- 
ation gained from foreign intercourse gave rise to new thoughts, 
new wants, and new pleasures. Trade became the great function 
of the day, and, as it were, a new power, by which the chains of 
feudalism were broken ; and, though some of its elements remain 
still, they remain only in a very modified form. 
