Sentence:  [P]ut the Caſe that the Nobleman of the <WSD>ancienter</WSD> Family does not indeed diſgrace his Dignity, but adds nothing to it; having nothing extraordinary to recommend him or diſrecommend him: Whereas the other, by his perſonal Merit, has rais'd himſelf to an equal Dignity. Which of the two in this Suppoſition deſerves the greater Eſteem? 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  Having lasted from a remote period; having been of long duration; of great age, very old.