THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS
Nothing should make us prejudge the safety of the State except actual conditions. We have appeared divided among ourselves, but the instant we occupy ourselves with the good of mankind we are in accord. Vergniaud has just told you grand and immortal truths. The constituent Assembly, embarrassed by a king, by the prejudices which still enchain the nation, and by deep-seated intolerance, could not offend established principles, but still did much for liberty in consecrating the principle of toleration. Today the soil of liberty is clear, and we owe it to the French people to give their government a base, eternal and pure. Yes, we shall say to them: Frenchmen, you have the right to adore the divinity which seems to you worthy of your reverence.
The liberty of worship which your laws can contemplate can only be the liberty of individuals to assemble in their own way to render homage to the Diety. Such liberty can only be attained by legal and police regulation, but certainly you do not wish to insert a regulating
- ↑ From a speech in the Convention on April 18, 1793. Translated for this edition by Scott Robinson.
132
