Able Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“Whether a Commonwealth suffers more by hypocritical pretenders to religion or by the openly profane? The most dangerous hypocrite in a Commonwealth is one who leaves the gospel for the sake of the law. A man compounded of law and gospel is able to cheat a whole country with his religion and then destroy them under color of law.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Observations on the Increase of the Commonwealth, 1755
The quote warns that religious hypocrisy, especially when combined with legal authority, can corrupt and destroy a society more than overt profanity.
In simple terms: Hypocritical religious leaders can betray a nation.
Key Takeaway
Beware of leaders who misuse religion and law.
Themes
politics
religion
ethics
corruption
Mood
cautious
critical
serious
Type
political
ethical
warning
When to use this quote
- government policy
- legal reform
- church leadership
- public discourse
Key Concepts
hypocrisy
law
gospel
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies detect and prevent religious‑legal abuse?
- What safeguards protect law from being weaponized?
A Different Perspective
Such leaders may claim moral authority while exploiting power for personal gain.
