by the divinity of their faith, gradually become reconciled, and identify themselves with the general freedom.  Look at Germany—­look at Virginia—­where opposite creeds mutually borrow the same sanctuaries, and where different sects fraternise in the same patriotism.  This is what we should tend to; these are the principles which ought gradually to implant themselves widely amongst a people:  light ought to be the great precursor of the law.  Let us leave to despotism to prepare its slaves for its commands by ignorance.”

VIII.

Ducos, a young and generous-hearted Girondist, with whom enthusiasm for the honest carried him beyond the policy of his party, moved for the printing of this speech.  His voice was drowned amidst the applause and murmurs which followed—­a testimony of the indecision and impartiality of men’s minds.  Fauchet replied at the next sitting, and pointed out the connection between civil troubles and religious quarrels.  “The priests,” he said, “are of unreasonable tyranny, which still maintains its hold on consciences by the ill-broken thread of its power.  It is a faction ’scotched, not killed’—­it is the most dangerous of factions.”

Gensonne spake like a statesman, and counselled toleration towards conscientious priests, and the repulsion by force of law of the turbulent clergy.  During this discussion, couriers daily arriving from the country, brought news of fresh disorders.  Every where the constitutional priests were insulted, driven away, massacred at the foot of the altars.  The country churches, closed by order of the National Assembly, were burst open by axes, the nonjuring priests returned to them, urged by the fanaticism of the people.  Three cities were besieged and on the point of being burnt down by the country people.  The threatened civil war seemed the prelude to the counter-revolution.  “See,” exclaimed Isnard, “whither the toleration and impunity you have preached, conduct you!”

Isnard, deputy of Provence, was the son of a perfumer of Grasse.  His father had educated him for a literary life, and not for business.  He had studied politics in the antiquities of Greece and Rome.  He had in his mind the idea of one of the Gracchi; he had his courage in his soul and his tone in his voice.  Still very young, his eloquence was as fervent as his blood; his language was but the fire of his passion, coloured by a southern imagination; his words poured forth like the rapid bursts of impatience.  He was the revolutionary impetus personified.  The Assembly followed him breathless, and with him arrived at fury before it attained conviction.  His discourses were magnificent odes, which elevated discussion to lyric poetry, and enthusiasm to convulsion; his action bespoke the tripod rather than the tribune.  He was the Danton of the Gironde, as Vergniaud was to become its Mirabeau.

IX.