Page:Essays on Catholicism, Liberalism, and Socialism.djvu/166

those other problems which relate to God as the supreme legislator of all human associations.

The liberal school is the only one which has no theologian among its doctors and masters. The absolutists have had their theologians, and have more than once elevated them to the dignity of rulers over the people, and under their government the people increased in consequence and power. France will never forget the administration of Cardinal Richelieu, whose name is one of the most famous and glorious among the illustrious of the French monarchy. The renown of the great cardinal surpasses that of many kings; nor was its splendor in the least diminished by the accession to the throne of that powerful and glorious monarch, whom France with enthusiasm, and Europe in admiration, called the Great. Ximenes, of Cisneros, and Alberoni, the two greatest ministers of the Spanish monarchy, were both cardinals and theologians. The name of Ximenes will forever be associated with that of the most illustrious queen and the most celebrated woman of Spain, so famous among nations for its remarkable women and illustrious queens. Alberoni is considered great in Europe, for the grandeur of his plans and for the penetration and sagacity of his prodigious genius. Ximenes, born in those happy days when the noble acts of this nation raised it above the dignity of history and elevated it to the majesty and grandeur of the epic, directed the great vessel of state with a firm hand, and silencing the turbulence of the crew, conducted it through stormy seas into more tranquil and serene waters, where both vessel and pilot found a peaceful repose and uninterrupted prosperity. Alberoni appeared in those unfortunate times when the greatness of the Spanish monarchy was already on the decline,