Pagina 403 de 788

"My predecessors in their eloquent speeches have touched on all

the principal and decisive points, and have raised the discussion

to a higher plane; it only remains for me to unite into one focus

the pertinent thoughts and considerations that have been put

forward: I have the hope of thus reconciling contrary opinions. I

have noted that the entire discussion consists of two parts; the

division is already made, and that division I follow. First: why

should we undertake an insurrection? in what spirit? That is the

first vital question. The second concerns the revolutionary

authority. The division is a proper one, only I wish to reverse

it, and begin with the authority: when once we understand the

authority, from it I will deduce the nature, spirit, and aim of

the insurrection. As for the authority then-when I survey with my

eyes the history of all humanity, what do I perceive therein?