A collective body, as with an individual, thinks of itself first of all and above all.

If, now and then, it sacrifices some one of its privileges it is for the purpose of securing the alliance of some other body.

In that case, which is that of England, all these privileges, which compound with each other and afford each other mutual support, form, through their combination, the public liberties .-- In this case, only one body being represented, its deputies are neither directed nor tempted to make concession to others; the interest of the body is their sole guide; they subordinate the common interest to it and serve it at any cost, even to criminal attacks on the public welfare.
III.

Influence of the Nobles..
Regulations in their favor .-- Preferment obtained by them in the Church .-- Distribution of bishoprics and abbeys.
-- Preferment obtained from them from the State .-- Governments, offices, sinecures, pensions, gratuities .-- Instead of being useful they are an expense.
Thus do public bodies work when, instead of being associated together, they are separate.

The same spectacle is apparent on contemplating castes and associations; their isolation is the cause of their egoism.
From the top to the bottom of the scale the legal and moral powers which should represent the nation represent themselves only, while each one is busy in its own behalf at the expense of the nation.