An obscure deputy here suggested during the discussion the name of National Assembly, often heretofore employed to designate the States-general; Sieyes took it up, rejecting the subtle and carefully prepared definitions.  “I am for the amendment of M. Legrand,” said he, “and I propose the title of National Assembly.”  Four hundred and ninety-one voices against ninety adopted this simple and superb title.  In contempt of the two upper orders of the state, the national assembly was constituted.  The decisive step was taken towards the French Revolution.

During the early days, in the heat of a violent discussion, Barrere had exclaimed, “You are summoned to recommence history.”  It was an arrogant mistake.  For more than eighty years modern France has been prosecuting laboriously and in open day the work which had been slowly forming within the dark womb of olden France.  In the almighty hands of eternal God a people’s history is interrupted and recommenced never.