228 CAUSES ACCOUNTING FOR THE GROWTH OF THE PAPACY. under it, and by it enjoying subordinate advantages, which propor- tionably grow by its increase. Suchpersons, therefore, will ever be inciting their chief and patron to amplify his power; and in aiding him to compass it, they will be very industriously, resolutely, and steadily active, their own interest moving them thereto. Wherefore, their mouths will ever be open in crying him up, their heads will be busy in contriving ways to further his interests, their care and pains will be employed in accomplishing his designs; they with their utmost strengthwill contend in his defence against all oppositions. Thus the Roman clergy first, then the bishops of Italy, then all the clergy ofthe west, became engaged to support, to fortify, to en- large the papal authority; they all sharing with him in domination over the laity, and enjoying wealth, credit, support, privileges, and immunities thereby. Some of them, especially, were ever putting him on higher pretences, and furthering him by all means in his acquist [acquirement] and maintenance of them. 6. Hence, if a potentate himself should have no ambition nor much ability to improve his power, yet it would ofitselfgrow : he need only be passive therein; the interest of his partisans would effect it. So that often power no less thrives under sluggish and weak potentates, especially if they are void of goodness, than under the most active and able. Let the ministers alone to drive on their interest. 7. Evenpersons otherwise just andgood seldom scruple to aug- ment their power by undue encroachment, or at least to uphold the usurpations of their foregoers; for even such are apt to favour their own pretences, and afraid of incurring censure and blame, if they should part with any thing left them by their predecessors. They apprehend themselves to owe a dearness [kindness] to their place, engaging them to tender its own weal and prosperity: in promoting which they suppose themselves not to act for their own private inte- rest; and that it is not out of ambition or avarice, but out of a re- gard to the grandeur of their office, that they stickle and bustle; and that in so doing they imitate St Paul, who " magnified his office." They are encouraged hereto by the applause of men, especially of those who are allied with them in interest, and who converse with them; who take it for a maxim, Boni principis est ampliare impe- rium [" It is the part of a good prince to amplify his dominion"]. The extenders of empire are admired and commended, however they do it,although with cruel wars, or by any unjust means. Hence, usually, the worthiest men in the world's eye are greatest enlargers of power. And such men bringing appearances of virtue,
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