Edmund Burke: “We here confidently protest against this mode of justification, and we…”

On the record

We here confidently protest against this mode of justification, and we maintain that his pretending to follow these examples is in itself a crime.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke protests against a justification used by an individual, arguing that imitating historical examples of governance is itself a wrongdoing.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.

Jan 1, 1790

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

Jan 1, 1790

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

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Edmund Burke: “We here confidently protest against this mode of justification, and we maintain that his pretending to follow these…”