They relieve the
understanding in its progress through a vast science, by calling up
the memory of great men and of interesting events. By this means we
see the truths of morality clothed with all the eloquence (not that
could be produced by the powers of one man, but) that could be
bestowed on them by the collective genius of the world. Even virtue
and wisdom themselves acquire new majesty in my eyes, when I thus
see all the great masters of thinking and writing called together,
as it were, from all times and countries, to do them homage and to
appear in their train.
[Sidenote: X. 2. His Treatise de Jure Belli et Pacis]
"But this is no piece for discussions of taste, and I am very ready
to own, that mine may be corrupted. The work of Grotius is liable
to a more serious objection, though I do not recollect that it has
ever been made. His method is inconvenient and unscientific. He has
inverted the natural order. That natural order undoubtedly
dictates, that we should first search for the original principles
of the science, in human nature; then apply them to the regulation
of the conduct of individuals; and lastly employ them for the
decision of those difficult and complicated questions that arise
with respect to the intercourse of nations.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170