Note 111 — INTRODUCTION.

Toleration is the last, as it is the greatest virtue that a ruler learns. It is a virtue that has yet to be learnt by the nations of Europe. An eminent divine of the present day (Spectator, July 30th, 1864, p. 877) declares that it is well he has not the power to persecute his theological opponents, for that he would not trust his will. The brightest European examples of tolerant princes are Marcus Aurelius and Oliver Cromwell, yet one permitted the persecution of Christians, and the other hunted down papists and malignants. For perfect toleration we must look beyond Europe, and contemplate the policy of the illustrious Akbar in India, and of the Yncas in South America.