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CHAPTER VIII.
Of the form of government which formerly prevailed in the North.
THE character of the ancient northern nations is, in some measure, laid open in the former book. It is the nature of every religion which is the handywork of men, always to carry marks of the weakness of its authors, and to breathe forth the same spirit, with which they themselves were animated. Their government and laws are another faithful mirrour, wherein that spirit may be seen with no less advantage. It is obvious, that the laws cannot long be contrary to the genius of a nation. Sooner or later they will be impressed with its character, or they will give it theirs. These are two streams very different in their sources, but which as soon as they unite in the same channel, have but one force and one direction. The importance of this subject makes it incumbent on me to treat it with some extent, and to bring
