§. 157. Things of this world are in so constant a flux that nothing remains
long in the same state. Thus people, riches, trade, power, change their
stations; flourishing mighty cities come to ruin, and prove in time neglected
desolate corners, whilst other unfrequented places grow into populous countries
filled with wealth and inhabitants. But things not always changing equally, and
private interest often keeping up customs and privileges when the reasons of
them are ceased, it often comes to pass that in governments where part of the
legislative consists of representatives chosen by the people, that in tract of
time this representation becomes very unequal and disproportionate to the
reasons it was at first established upon. To what gross absurdities the
following of custom when reason has left it may lead, we may be satisfied when
we see the bare name of a town, of which there remains not so much as the
ruins, where scarce so much housing as a sheepcote, or more inhabitants than a
shepherd is to be found, send as many representatives to the grand assembly of
law-makers as a whole county numerous in people and powerful in riches. This
strangers stand amazed at, and every one must confess needs a remedy; though
most think it hard to find one, because the constitution of the legislative
being the original and supreme act of the society, antecedent to all positive
laws in it, and depending wholly on the people, no inferior power can alter it.
And, therefore, the people when the legislative is once constituted, having in
such a government as we have been speaking of no power to act as long as the
government stands, this inconvenience is thought incapable of a remedy.
