10 quotes
Machiavelli's teaching would hardly have stood the test of parliamentary government, for public discussion demands at least the profession of good faith.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
I have reached the end of my time, and have hardly come to the beginning of my task.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
The principles which discriminate in politics between good and evil, and make states worthy to last, were not yet found.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
The idea that the ends of government justify the means employed, was worked into system by Machiavelli.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
The idea that religious liberty is the generating principle of civil, and that civil liberty is the necessary condition of religious, was a discovery reserved for the seventeenth century.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
The clergy who had in so many ways served the cause of freedom during the prolonged strife against feudalism and slavery, were associated now with the interest of royalty.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
From that time it became possible to make politics a matter of principle and of conscience, so that men and nations differing in all other things could live in peace together, under the sanctions of a common law.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
When the last of the Reformers died, religion, instead of emancipating the nations, had become an excuse for the criminal art of despots. Calvin preached, and Bellarmine lectured; but Machiavelli reigned.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
That men should understand that governments do not exist by divine right, and that arbitrary government is the violation of divine right, was no doubt the medicine suited to the malady under which Europe languished.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)
In gathering the materials of International law, he had to go beyond national treaties and denominational interests, for a principle embracing all mankind. The principles of law must stand, he said, even if we suppose that there is no God.
The History of Freedom in Christianity (1877)