Outlines of an Historical View of the Progress of the Human Mind

of civilized man, excite a bitterness of regret that shall prove advantageous to the public welfare! May this death, which will in no small degree contribute, in the pages of history, to characterise the era in which it has taken place, inspire a firm and dauntless attachment to the rights of which it was a violation! Such is the only homage worthy the sage who, the fatal sword suspended over his head, could meditate in peace the melioration and happiness of his fellow-creatures; such the only consolation those can experience who have been the objects of his affection, and have known all the extent of his virtue.

As a writer he would have done little harm, though extraordinarily erroneous in many things: but as an active legislator he contributed to destroy all the good he aimed at. He might and probably did mean well: but his ignorance and inexperience in the nature of free government, like his friends Turgot and Rochefoucault, ruined his country. 1811.

These 3 are memorable examples of the profoundest science, most extensive literature, united with total ignorance and palpable darkness in the science of government: with dispositions too, to equity, humanity and benevolence, toward their country and mankind.

This death is indeed, one of the characteristics of the era. It was suicide by voluntary poison. It was an effect of his own system, of a government in one assembly. It was the fruit of the tyranny of his own pretended democratic majority, without a balance, or checks, which he abhorred!