Within a few months — ^in July 1788— the memorable
Edict of Religion made its appearance, which contained,
not indeed the fiill programme of the Reaction — ^for, as
we shall see, more remained behind — ^but enough of it
to spread consternation far and near. No doubt, the
generalities of this Edict, its censures of the license
which the clergy had hitherto so largely permitted
itself and of the effects of that license upon the popular



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Decline of Prussia tinder Frederick William II 153

mind, contained some things both reasonable and true.
But, apart from the Caesaropapism implied in the
King's nominal authorship of such an ordinance —
apart from the grotesqueness of the revival of that
worst abnormity of the Reformation age — a, secular
Prince (and even loyal lips could hardly fail to add
beneath their breath, ^^sucfi a secular Prince!'*) taking
the place of Pope and General Council — ^the demands
made in the Edict were carried to a wholly unwarrant-
able length, and extended in quite unwonted directions.
