The
name of active citizen, which we have just obtained, is,
without a doubt, the most precious title a man can possess
in a free empire. . . . I cannot repeat too often how absolutely
necessary it is for us to divest ourselves entirely of that
narrow spirit, of Corporation and Congregation, in all civil
and political matters, not immediately connected with our
spiritual laws; in these things we must absolutely appear
simply as individuals, as Frenchmen, guided only by a true
patriotism and by the general good of the nation; to know
how to risk our lives and fortunes for the defense of the
country, to make ourselves useful to our fellow citizens,
to deserve their esteem and their friendship, to join our
efforts to theirs in maintaining public tranquillity, on
which that of individuals depends.
This oath
taken, let us exert ourselves to fulfill the duties within
our reach, but let us avoid grasping at our rights. . .
. Let it be sufficient for us, at present, to have acquired
the invaluable right of assisting at all assemblies of French
citizens; but let
us not attend them, till we have acquired knowledge sufficient
to make ourselves useful members; till we know how to
discuss and defend the interests of the country; in short,
till our most bitter enemies are convinced, and acknowledge
the gross misconceptions they entertained of us.
