Thesameignorance，whichrendersbarbariansincapableofconceivingorembracingtheusefulrestraintsoflaws，exposesthemnakedandunarmedtotheblindterrorsofsuperstition。TheGermanpriests，improvingthisfavorabletemperoftheircountrymen，hadassumedajurisdictionevenintemporalconcerns，whichthemagistratecouldnotventuretoexercise；andthehaughtywarriorpatientlysubmittedtothelashofcorrection，whenitwasinflicted，notbyanyhumanpower，butbytheimmediateorderofthegodofwar。^64Thedefectsofcivilpolicyweresometimessuppliedbytheinterpositionofecclesiasticalauthority。Thelatterwasconstantlyexertedtomaintainsilenceanddecencyinthepopularassemblies；andwassometimesextendedtoamoreenlargedconcernforthenationalwelfare。AsolemnprocessionwasoccasionallycelebratedinthepresentcountriesofMecklenburghandPomerania。TheunknownsymboloftheEarth，coveredwithathickveil，wasplacedonacarriagedrawnbycows；andinthismannerthegoddess，whosecommonresidencewasintheIslesofRugen，visitedseveraladjacenttribesofherworshippers。Duringherprogressthesoundofwarwashushed，quarrelsweresuspended，armslaidaside，andtherestlessGermanshadanopportunityoftastingtheblessingsofpeaceandharmony。^65ThetruceofGod，sooftenandsoineffectuallyproclaimedbytheclergyoftheeleventhcentury，wasanobviousimitationofthisancientcustom。^66

　　[Footnote64:Tacit。Germania，c。7。]

　　[Footnote65:Tacit。Germania，c。40。]

　　[Footnote66:SeeDr。Robertson\'sHistoryofCharlesV。vol。i。

　　note10。]

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