The science of politics is the one science that is deposited by the streams of history, like the grains of gold in the sand of a river; and the knowledge of the past, the record of truths revealed by experience, is eminently practical, as an instrument of action and a power that goes to making the future.

History is not only a particular branch of knowledge, but a particular mode and method of knowledge in other branches.

The principle of the Inquisition was murderous. . . . The popes were not only murderers in the great style, but they also made murder a legal basis of the Christian Church and a condition of salvation.

Everybody likes to get as much power as circumstances allow, and nobody will vote for a self-denying ordinance.

To develop and perfect and arm conscience is the great achievement of history.

History, to be above evasion or dispute, must stand on documents, not on opinions.

Absolute power demoralizes.