The act and the consequences of enfranchisement varied in the course of the epoch on which our attention is occupied. This fact has not been observed by M. Montlosier and all those who bring together facts separated from one another by a long interval of time, in order to make a complete system. They apply to the same epoch facts belonging to different times. History presents us with instances of slaves who, after the Germanic invasion, raised themselves to the condition not only of free men, but of Leudes and large proprietors. Individual cases of these are well authenticated, and were very likely to have occurred in these times of disorder; but from these no general rule is to be inferred. In spite of the vast influence of religious ideas--and all formulas of enfranchisement are prefaced by the expression of a religious sentiment and design--the general movement of the epoch which we are considering, so far as regards the condition of persons, was much more towards the extension of servitude, under different forms and in varying degrees, than towards the maintenance or the advancement of liberty. {148} Lecture XVIII. Simultaneous existence of three systems of institutions, after the settlement of the Franks in Gaul. Conflict of these three systems. Summary of this conflict, its vicissitudes, and results. Its recurrence in local and central institutions. Of local institutions under the Frankish monarchy. Of the assemblies of free men. Of the authority and jurisdiction of the great landowners in their estates. Of the authority and jurisdiction of the dukes, counts, and other royal officers. Three Systems Of Institutions. From the ancient condition of the barbarians in Germany, and from their new situation after their establishment in the Roman empire, there issued three systems of institutions, of different principles and results, which, from the fifth to the tenth century, co-existed at first for some time, and afterwards commingled and conflicted with each other with alternate success and defeat. In their primitive state, in Germany, the Barbarians were all free; every individual was important--nothing of any moment could be undertaken or decided upon without the approbation and concurrence of the majority. Hence arose the common discussion of affairs of common interest, and the influence of election upon the choice of chiefs or judges or in other words, the institutions of liberty.