429. Accession of Charles; Result of the Doctrine of the Divine Right
of Kings.
The doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings, which had been so zealously
put forth by James (S419), bore its full and fatal fruit in the career
of his son. Unlike his father, Charles was by nature a gentleman. In
his private and personal relations he was conscientious and
irreproachable; in public matters he was exactly the reverse.
This singular contrast--this double character, as it were--arose from
the fact that, as a man, Charles felt himself bound by truth and
honor, but, as a sovereign, he considered himself superior to such
obligations. In all his dealings with the nation he seems to have
acted on the principle that the people had no rights which kings were
bound to respect.