Sentence:  ... there is too frequently Combinations made amongst the rest, to cross and quash whatever they shall propose, be it never so just, and reasonable, and nothing alledged for it, but that they are mean, proud, busie people, and will <WSD>perk up</WSD> too much above their Betters, if they be not thus mortified, and kept under ... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To exalt oneself, take on a higher status or position.