The author, however, ought not to have left us in the dark
upon that subject, to break our shins over his hints and insinuations.
Is it, then, true, that this unfortunate monarch drew his punishment
upon himself by his want of moderation, and his oppressing the liberties
of which he had found his people in possession? Is not the direct
contrary the fact? And is not the example of this Revolution the very
reverse of anything which can lead to that _softening_ of character in
princes which the author supposes as a security to the people, and has
brought forward as a recommendation to fraternity with those who have
administered that happy emollient in the murder of their king and the
slavery and desolation of their country?
But the author does not confine the benefit of the Regicide lesson to
kings alone. He has a diffusive bounty. Nobles, and men of property,
will likewise be greatly reformed. They, too, will be led to a review of
their social situation and duties,--"and will reflect, that their large
allotment of worldly advantages is for the aid and benefit of the
whole." Is it, then, from the fate of Juigne, Archbishop of Paris, or of
the Cardinal de Rochefoucault, and of so many others, who gave their
fortunes, and, I may say, their very beings, to the poor, that the rich
are to learn, that their "fortunes are for the aid and benefit of the
whole"? I say nothing of the liberal persons of great rank and property,
lay and ecclesiastic, men and women, to whom we have had the honor and
happiness of affording an asylum: I pass by these, lest I should never
have done, or lest I should omit some as deserving as any I might
mention.
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