An Essay On the Spirit And Influence of the Reformation

ty in his civil transactions, and liberty in the acts of his conscience. To both he ascribes a value equal to that of his existence. The idea of recovering them when they have been lost carries him to the height of enthusiasm; that of losing them when they are in his enjoyment throws him into a state of desperation which fits him for every attempt. Both of those sentiments lurked secretly in Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth century. One nation, which had lost its civil and religious liberty, began to feel the weight and ignominy of its chains; another which yet enjoyed some degree of independence shuddered at the prospect of being speedily deprived of it. All the states, in that part of the world, and more particularly the confederacy of states which formed the empire of Germany, had been long harassed and torn topieces by the obstinate struggle maintained between the Emperors, successors of tha Ceesars, and the Popes, successors of St. Peter; a contest, the prize of which was the unlimited sovereignty over the ancient territory of the Roman empire. Both competitors advanced or affected equal claims upon Rome, and it was clear in their eyes, as well as in those of all Europe, that the master of Rome must also be that of the empire; so difficult are vujgar prejudices to be eradicated! The magical name of Rome imposed upon mankind ages after its real glory had vanished; it even imppses upon them at the present moment. One of the most pernicious habits of man...