At that ever-memorable and instructive period, the letter of the law was superseded in favour of the substance of liberty.
Edmund Burke: “At that ever-memorable and instructive period, the letter of the law was superseded in favour of the substance of…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke highlights the importance of liberty over strict adherence to the law during critical times.
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I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.
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.





