The quote you've provided reflects a particular perspective on monarchy and the divine right of kings, which was a common viewpoint during the early modern period. However, it's important to clarify that this statement does not belong to John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, or Adam Smith as individuals, as their philosophies and views on government greatly differ.
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John Locke: Locke was an advocate for natural rights and social contract theory. He argued in favor of government by consent and the protection of individual rights, which was fundamentally opposed to the idea of monarchy as the supreme power without accountability.
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Baron de Montesquieu: Montesquieu is best known for his theory of the separation of powers in government, which is a fundamental principle of modern democratic governance. He criticized absolute monarchy and advocated for a system of checks and balances.
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau wrote about the social contract and emphasized the concept of the general will and popular sovereignty. He critiqued monarchal authority and argued for the principle that legitimacy comes from the will of the people.
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Adam Smith: Smith is primarily known for his contributions to economics, particularly the idea of the invisible hand and free markets. His work does not directly address the legitimacy of monarchy but instead focuses on economic systems and individual liberty.
The quote you provided appears to express a traditionalist and theologically grounded view of monarchy, often associated with earlier thinkers or political justifications of monarchy rather than the Enlightenment philosophers mentioned. It reflects the idea that monarchs hold a divine right to rule, which was a significant aspect of pre-Enlightenment political thought but was critically challenged by these philosophers. If you have a specific quote or source in mind, please let me know, and I can assist further!
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