Mediaeval and modern history . H. Spain under Philip II (1556-1598) 350. Philips Character and his Principles of Government. — Philip, unlike his father, was a representative Spaniard. He typi-fied and embodied in himself the traits, ideals, and aspirationsof the Spanish race, just as Luther typified and embodied those of the German race. His mind was themind, his conscience was the con-science, of the Spanish people. Like the true Spaniard, Philippossessed a deeply religious believed as sincerely as ever didthe Puritan Cromwell that he wasGods chosen instrument for theworking out of
Mediaeval and modern history . H. Spain under Philip II (1556-1598) 350. Philips Character and his Principles of Government. — Philip, unlike his father, was a representative Spaniard. He typi-fied and embodied in himself the traits, ideals, and aspirationsof the Spanish race, just as Luther typified and embodied those of the German race. His mind was themind, his conscience was the con-science, of the Spanish people. Like the true Spaniard, Philippossessed a deeply religious believed as sincerely as ever didthe Puritan Cromwell that he wasGods chosen instrument for theworking out of his eternal in order that he might do whatGod would have done in the world,he conceived it to be necessary that he should have absolute power. AFig. 61. —Philip II. (After , . - . , , . ^. , ^.,. \ necessary basis 01 this absolute a painting by 7///a«) / power, in Phihps conception, as inthat of his father Charles, was religious unity. Disunion in theChurch meant disunion in the state. Hence one of Philips. PHILIPS DOMAINS AND REVENUES 327 instruments of government was the Inquisition. He employed itin the suppression of heresy, not simply because he was a sincereCatholic and believed that heresy was willful sin and should besternly dealt with, but primarily because heresy, in his view, wasrebellion against the state. Philip possessed unusual administrative ability. He was anincessant worker and busied himself with the endless details ofgovernment. He left nothing to the discretion of others. He dideverything himself. His secretaries were mere clerks. He him-self handled every dispatch. His generals awaited and followedhis minute orders. He even regulated, or tried to regulate, theprivate affairs of his subjects, — told them how to dress, whenthey might use carriages, and how and where to educate theirchildren. Under this system there was in the kingdom but onebrain to plan and one will to direct. All local freedom and allindividual initiative were crushed o
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