We do not deny that men who professed religion have perpetrated nameless cruelties, nor that unbelievers have been humane, sometimes with a pathetic energy, a tenacious grasp on the virtue still possible to those who have no Heaven to serve.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus"
G. A. Chadwick
On the other hand, Smith entertained the highest possible belief in individual liberty, but he had never any scruple about sacrificing liberty of contract where the sacrifice was demanded by the great moral end of Government-the maintenance of just and humane dealing between man and man.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae
Smith recognised that grown-up people were often in natural circumstances where it was practically impossible for them to assert effectively not their interests merely, but even their essential claims as fellow-citizens; and that therefore it was the State's duty to come to the aid of those whose own economic position was weak, and to force upon the strong certain responsibilities-or at least secure for the weak certain broad, positive conditions-which just and humane dealing might demand.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae