That man, that orator, that seer, seeks to warn his country; that prophet seeks to enlighten statesmen; he knows where the breakers are; he knows that society will crumble by means of these four false supports: centralized government, standing army, irremovable judges, salaried priesthood; he knows it, he desires that all should know it, he ascends the tribune and says:-- "I denounce to you four great public perils.

Your political system bears that within it that will destroy it.

It is incumbent upon you to transform your government root and branch, the army, the clergy, and the magistracy: to suppress here, retrench there, remodel everything, or perish through these four institutions, which you consider as lasting elements, but which are elements of dissolution." Murmurs.

He exclaims: "Do you know what your centralized administration may become in the hands of a perjured executive power?
A vast treason, carried into effect at one blow over the whole of France, by every office-holder without exception." Murmurs break out anew with redoubled violence; cries of "order!" The orator continues: "Do you know what your standing army may become at any moment?
An instrument of crime.

Passive obedience is the bayonet ever pointed at the heart of the law.