There is no such sacredness about civil governments as to exempt them from the closest scrutiny in their constitution and workings.
The time was when it would have been necessary to dwell largely upon this statement.
The occupants of power are always disposed to claim an uninquiring recognition, as well as an unresisting obedience. Kings and emperors have been addressed by the title of 'sacred majesty.'
They have claimed a 'divine right' to reign. They are kings 'by the grace of God.' They are to rule and the people to submit, pay taxes, and bear all the burdens. This was once the theory.
Some changes have, indeed, passed over society in many Christian countries. Men do now yield so readily a blind and superstitious obedience.
But, after all, the principle is not yet fully recognised that, like every thing else in human hands, the affairs of government are, in every aspect, open to be questioned and tried.
Even in this land, with all its licentiousness of opinion and even contempt of authority, there is yet not a little of the old leaven. Not a few still appear to regard the constitution, and even some enactments, and these the worst of them, as possessing a sort of extraordinary sacredness.
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