more justice, more right. It is thus that the idea of political
legitimacy has arisen.

"This principle has for its foundation, in the first instance, at
least in a certain degree, the great principles of moral
legitimacy--justice, reason, truth. Then came the sanction of
time, which always begets the presumption of reason having
directed arrangements which have long endured. In the early
periods of society, we too often find force and falsehood ruling
the cradles of royalty, aristocracy, democracy, and even the
church; but every where you will see this force and falsehood
yielding to the reforming hand of time, and right and truth
taking their place in the rulers of civilization. It is this
progressive infusion of right and truth which has by degrees
developed the idea of political legitimacy; it is thus that it
has become established in modern civilization. At different
times, indeed, attempts have been made to substitute for this
idea the banner of despotic power; but, in doing so, they have
turned it aside from its true origin. It is so little the banner
of despotic power, that it is in the name of right and justice
that it has overspread the world. As little is it exclusive: it
belongs neither to persons, classes, nor sects; it arises
wherever the idea of right has developed itself. We shall meet
with this principle in systems the most opposite: in the feudal
system, in the municipalities of Flanders and Germany, in the
republics of Italy, as well as in simple monarchies. It is a
character diffused through the various elements of modern
civilization, and the perception of which is indispensable to the
right understanding of its history."--(_Lecture_ iii. 9, 11;
_Civilization Europeenne_.)

No principle ever was announced of more practical importance in
legislating for mankind, than is contained in this passage. The
doctrine is somewhat obscurely stated, and not with the precision
which in general distinguishes the French writers; but the import of
it seems to be this--That no system of government can long exist among
men, unless it is substantially, and in the majority of cases, founded
in reason and justice, and sanctioned by experienced utility for the
people among whom it exists; and therefore, that we may predicate with
perfect certainty of any institution which has b