master-evil

Updated: May 24, 2025

In the first place, there was the master-evil of the poor-laws. Malthus points out the demoralising effects of these laws in chapters full of admirable common sense, which he was unfortunately able to enforce by fresh illustrations in successive editions. He attends simply to the stimulus to population. He thinks that if the laws had never existed, the poor would now have been much better off.

Leslie Stephen - The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3): James Mill

Now, I am not going to deal in this sermon with that general principle, nor even to be drawn aside to speak of the tone in which the Apostle here treats the great abomination of slavery, and the singular advice that he gives to its victims; though the consideration of the tone of Christianity to that master-evil of the old world might yield a great many thoughts very relevant to pressing questions of to-day.

Alexander Maclaren - Expositions of Holy Scripture: Romans Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Let the patriot, the friend of liberty and the Union of the States, no longer shut his eyes to the great danger, the master-evil before which all others dwindle into insignificance. Our Union is tottering to its foundation, and slavery is the cause. Remove the evil. Dry up at their source the bitter waters.

John Greenleaf Whittier - The Conflict with Slavery and Others, Complete, Volume VII,: The Works of Whittier: the Conflict with Slavery, Politics: and Reform, the Inner Life and Criticism

Beyond the most persuasive influence of civilization, pleading, as never before, with voice of reason and affection, that the universal tyrant and master-evil of Christendom, the War System, may cease, and the means now absorbed in its support be employed for the benefit of the Human Family, there are two special influences which cannot be without weight at this time.

Charles Sumner - The Duel Between France and Germany

Utilitarianism, in its political relations, was one continuous warfare against these sinister 'interests, The master-evil of the contemporary political state undoubtedly implied a want of responsibility. A political trust was habitually confounded with private property. Moreover, whatever else may be essential to good government, one essential is a strong sense of responsibility in the governors.

Leslie Stephen - The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3): James Mill

Let the patriot, the friend of liberty and the Union of the States, no longer shut his eyes to the great danger, the master-evil before which all others dwindle into insignificance. Our Union is tottering to its foundation, and slavery is the cause. Remove the evil. Dry up at their source the bitter waters.

John Greenleaf Whittier - The Conflict with Slavery, Part 1, from Volume VII,: The Works of Whittier: the Conflict with Slavery, Politics: and Reform, the Inner Life and Criticism