102 



2dly. The compensations for homicide, theft, robbery, &c. 

 were easy to the rich, but grievous to the poor. 



3dly. Slaves, who in every state formed the most numerous 

 class, were left to the absolute dominion of their masters, 

 who might punish them capitally, without the intervention of 

 any judge. 



4thly, Agriculture, commerce, trades and sciences were 

 held in contempt, at least for many ages. No professions 

 were honoured with the public esteem, but the military and 

 the clerical. 



othly. Kings were permitted to divide and partition their 

 dominions between their sons, v/ho invariably after their fa- 

 ther's decease made war on each other, and thus spread ruin 

 and devastation throughout their territories. 



6'thly. The barons, among whom each kingdom was sub- 

 sequently divided, claimed and exercised the right of com- 

 mitting hostilities on each other, and even on their common 

 sovereign, at their own discretion, these hostilities were 

 numerous and frequent, and consisting chiefly in mutual ra- 

 vages, burning the houses of the unfortunate inhabitants, 

 carrying off their cattle, and destroying the fruits of the 

 earth, a general famine and its attendant miseries commonly 

 ensued. 



7thly. During many ages superstition also shed its baneful 

 influence. Many were burned for the imaginary crime of 



witchcraft ; 



