The History of the Helvetic Republics (Volume 1)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1809. Excerpt: ... CHAP. IV. View of Society during the thirteenth Century Corruption of the Clergy--Monastic Institutions - DEGREESLiterature -- Imperial Prerogatives -- Com* merce--The People emerge from Obscurity -- Internal State of Helvetia--Religious Founda* tions -- Power and oppressive Conduct of the Nobility. Chap.-A-S we are now approaching an epochs th$ iv. most important of any in the annals of Switzerland, it may not be improper to pause a while, that we may take a minute view of the internal situation of that country, and thus enable ourselves to follow the subsequent revolution through all it's various details. Neither will it be easy to distinguish the interests of Helvetia from those of Germany. The connection -subsisting between the two countries is henceforth too intimate for them to be considered separately. For some time previous to the accession of RodolphuSi the internal commotions which prevailed prevailed in Germany bad been sufficient to Chap. engage the attention of the most active mind. IVi The imperial crown was become a burthen, that left the wearer but little leisure for extraneous pursuits. Yet during the greater part of this disastrous period Helvetia enjoyed domestic tranquillity, and sagaciously employed it in forming such establishments as might best conduce to her permanent happiness. The pretensions of the house of Suabia were annihilated by a treaty with Bertold of Zaringen*; and a spirit of independence had subsequently been so rapidly diffused over the greater part of Suabia, that the dukes found ample employment at home, without interfering in the concerns of foreign powers. Europe was besides, at this time, convulsed with the solution of two grand political questions, in the agitation of which every malignant passion of the human mind was displayed in it's fullest...