ents of the
world.(49) Where is this little island in the North Atlantic, and where
the vast territory of the East Indies? Can such extension be obtained save
by equal justice to all peoples and classes? At all events, by means of
just laws, freedom of conscience, and uniform dealing and equity towards
all nationalities and peoples, they have actually brought under their
dominion nearly all of the inhabited quarter of the world, and by reason
of these principles of freedom they have added day by day to the strength,
power, and extent of their empire, while most of the peoples on the face
of the earth celebrate the name of this state for its justice. As regards
religious zeal and true piety, their touchstone and proof are firmness and
steadfastness in noble qualities, virtues, and perfections, which are the
greatest blessings of the human race; but not interference with the belief
of this one or that one, demolition of edifices, and cutting off of the
human race. In the middle ages, whereof the beginning was the time of the
fall of the Roman Empire, and the end the capture of Constantinople at the
hands of [the followers of] Islam, fierce intolerance and molestation of
far and near arose in [all] the countries of Europe by reason of the
paramount influence of religious leaders. The matter came to such a pass
that the edifice of humanity seemed tottering to its fall, and the peace
and comfort of chief and vassal, king and subject, became hidden behind
the veil of annihilation. Night and day all parties were slaves to
apprehension and disquietude: civilization was utterly destroyed: the
control and order of countries was neglected: the principles and
essentials of the happiness of the human race were in abeyance: the
supports of kingly authority were shaken: but the influence and power of
the heads of religion and of the monks were in all parts complete. But
when they removed these differences, persecution, and bigotries out of
their midst, and proclaimed the equal rights of all subjects and the
liberty of men's consciences, the lights of glory and power arose and
shone from the horizons of that kingdom in such wise that those countries
made progress in every direction; and whereas the mightiest monarchy of
Europe had been servile to and abased before the smallest government of
Asia, now the great states of Asia are unable to oppose the small states
of Europe. These are effectual and sufficient proofs that the conscience
of