On the record
The establishment of this system was like Sin's opening the gates of Hell: like her, he could open the gate,--but to shut, as Milton says, exceeded his power.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “The establishment of this system was like Sin's opening the gates of Hell: like her, he could open the gate,--but to…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke uses a metaphor to describe the destructive nature of a corrupt system, likening it to the opening of Hell's gates.
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More from Edmund Burke
Jan 1, 1790
Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…
Jan 1, 1790
Whatever they are, I wish my countrymen rather to recommend to our neighbors the example of the British Constitution than to take models from them for the improvement of our own.
Jan 1, 1790
I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Jan 1, 1790
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
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