In the condition in which France was found three years ago, what better system could be proposed, what less even savoring of wild theory, what fitter to provide for all the exigencies whilst it reformed all the abuses of government, than the convention of the States-General?
Burke reflects on the historical context of France's political situation and the necessity of reform through the States-General.
Share
More from Edmund Burke
They threw a politic, well-wrought veil over every circumstance tending to weaken the rights which in the meliorated order of succession they meant to perpetuate, or which might furnish a precedent for any future departure from what they…
We procure reverence to our civil institutions on the principle upon which Nature teaches us to revere individual men: on account of their age, and on account of those from whom they are descended.
Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.
Their trust for the future preservation of the Constitution was not in future revolutions.
Other voices in this conversation
