The Bishops and Archbishops
have been very successful by bribes and intrigues, in detaching the
_Cures_ from the Commons, to whom they were at first attached to a man.
The Commons are about, five hundred and fifty-four in number, of whom
three hundred and forty-four are of the Jaw. These do not possess an
influence founded in property; but in their habits of business and
acquaintance with the people, and in their means of exciting them as
they please. The _Cures_, throughout the kingdom, form the mass of the
Clergy; they are the only part favorably known to the people, because
solely charged with the duties of baptism, burial, confession,
visitation of the sick, instruction of the children, and aiding the
poor; they are themselves of the people, and united with them. The
carriages and equipage only of the higher Clergy, not their persons, are
known to the people, and are in detestation with them. The soldiers will
follow their officers, that is to say, their captains, lieutenants, and
ensigns. These are of the lower nobility, and therefore much divided.
The colonels and higher officers are of the higher nobility, are
seldom with the soldiers, little known to them, not possessing their
attachment.
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