Rousseau had exercised more influence over his mind; the philosopher's wrath against civilization seemed to have spread to the banker, when the latter wrote in his _Traite sur le commerce des grains,_ "One would say that a small number of men, after dividing the land between them, had made laws of union and security against the multitude, just as they would have made for themselves shelters in the woods against the wild beasts.

What concern of ours are your laws of property?
the most numerous class of citizens might say: we possess nothing.

Your laws of right and wrong?
We have nothing to defend.

Your laws of liberty?
If we do not work to-morrow, we shall die." Public opinion was favorable to M.Necker, his promotion was well received; it presented, however, great difficulties: he had been a banker, and hitherto the comptrollers-general had all belonged to the class of magistrates or superintendents; he was a Protestant, and, as such, could not hold any office.

The clergy were in commotion; they tried certain remonstrances.