ABSTRACT
The scheme of a lasting peace was of all others the most worthy to fascinate a man of high principle. Of all those which engaged the Abbe de Saint-Pierre, it was therefore that over which he brooded the longest and followed up with the greatest obstinacy. The whole life of Kings is devoted solely to two objects: to extend their rule beyond their frontiers and to make it more absolute within them. Saint-Pierre's book on A Lasting Peace seems to be ineffectual for founding it and unnecessary for maintaining it. 'It is then an empty dream', will be the verdict of the impatient reader. No: it is a work of solid judgment, and it is of great importance for us to possess it. The criticisms of those who judge of reasons not by reason, but by the event, and who have no objection to bring against the scheme except that it has never been put in practice, is examined.
