The existence of this secret power is, according to abstract theory, a defect in our constitutional polity, but it is a defect incident to a civilisation such as ours, where august and therefore unknown powers are needed, as well as known and serviceable powers.
Bagehot acknowledges the existence of secret powers in the constitutional system as a necessary defect.
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The Parliament, the laws, the press were human institutions; but the Monarchy was a Divine institution.
The United States could not have become monarchical, even if the Constitutional Convention had decreed it, even if the component States had ratified it.
One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.
But the Jewish advantage never did so; beginning in religion, contrary to a thousand analogies, it remained religious.
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