But here arises a famous Question; the Decision of which will most clearly show the Wisdom of our Ancestors.--_Whether the Kingdom of Francogallia were Hereditary, or conferr'd by the Choice and Suffrages of the People_, That the _German_ Kings were created by the _Suffrages_ of the _People_. _Cornelius Tacitus_, in his Book _Demoribus Germanorum_, proves plainly; and we have shown, that our _Franks_ were a _German_ People: _Reges ex nobilitate, Duces ex virtute sumunt_; "Their _Kings_ (says he) they chuse from amongst those that are most eminent for their _Nobility_; their _Generals_ out of those _that are Famous for their Valour:"_ Which Institution, [Footnote: 1574.] to this very day, the _Germans, Danes, Sweeds and Polanders_ do retain. They _elect_ their Kings in a _Great Council of the Nation_; the Sons of whom have this privilege (as _Tacitus_ has recorded) to be preferr'd to other Candidates. I do not know whether any thing cou'd ever have been devised more prudently, or more proper for the Conversation of a Commonwealth, than this Institution. For so _Plutarch_, in his Life of _Sylla_, plainly advises. "Even (says he) as expert Hunters not only endeavour to procure a Dog of a right good Breed, but a Dog that is known to be a right good Dog himself; or a Horse descended from a generous Sire, but a tryed good Horse himself: Even so, those that constitute a Commonwealth, are much mistaken if they have more regard to _kindred_, than to the _qualification_ of the Prince they are about to set over them."