"But last Sunday evening I was walking here alone when the church bells of the village of Ruel rung at sunset.

I was strongly moved, so vividly did the image of early days come back with that sound.
If it be thus with me, what must it be with others?
In re-establishing the church, I consult the wishes of the great majority of my people." Volney, the celebrated traveller, was present.

"You speak of the majority of the people," said he: "if that is to be the rule, recall the Bourbons to-morrow." Napoleon never conversed with this bold infidel afterwards.
The _concordat_ gave no satisfaction to the high Catholic party, who considered it as comprehending arrangements wholly unworthy of the dignity of the Pope, and destructive of the authority of the church.

The great majority of the nation, however, were wise enough to be contented with conditions which the Vatican had found it necessary to admit.

The chief articles were these: I.The Roman Catholic religion is recognised as the national faith.II.The Pope, in concert with the French government, shall make a new division of dioceses, requiring, if necessary, the resignation of any existing prelate.III.Vacant sees now and henceforth shall be filled by the Pope _on nominations by the government_.IV.No bishops shall hold their sees unless they swear allegiance to the government, and adopt a ritual in which prayers are offered up for the Consuls.