edward gibbon the history of the decline

The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true by the philosopher, as equally false and by the magistrate, as equally useful.The masters of the fairest and most wealthy climates of the globe turned with contempt from gloomy hills, assailed by the winter tempest, from lakes concealed in a blue mist, and from cold and lonely heaths, over which the deer of the forest were chased by a troop of naked barbarians.Such a sentiment, which had rendered the legions of the republic almost invincible, could make but a very feeble impression on the mercenary servants of a despotic prince and it became necessary to supply that defect by other motives, of a different, but not less forcible nature honour and religion. That public virtue which among the ancients was denominated patriotism, is derived from a strong sense of our own interest in the preservation and prosperity of the free government of which we are members.Yet Phoenicia and Palestine will forever live in the memory of mankind since America, as well as Europe, has received letters from the one, and religion from the other.They preserved peace by a constant preparation for war and while justice regulated their conduct, they announced to the nations on their confines, that they were as little disposed to endure, as to offer an injury. The terror of the Roman arms added weight and dignity to the moderation of the emperors.

Trajan was ambitious of fame and as long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters.

Edward gibbon the history of the decline