Throughout the whole of the Consulate, a policy of moderation, which is too often taken for weakness, was strenuously carried through by the strongest man and the greatest warrior of the age.
The truly national character of his rule was seen in many ways.

He excluded from high office men who were notorious regicides, excepting a few who, like Fouche, were too clever to be dispensed with.

The constitutionals of 1791 and even declared royalists were welcomed back to France, and many of the Fructidorian exiles also returned.[134] The list of _emigres_ was closed, so that neither political hatred nor private greed could misrepresent a journey as an act of political emigration.

Equally generous and prudent was the treatment of Roman Catholics.

Toleration was now extended to orthodox or non-juring priests, who were required merely to _promise_ allegiance to the new constitution.