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they cannot die to-morrow!" Such was Collot d'Herbois. A distinguished modern writer has informed us, that few things surprised him more, in conversing with some octogenarians who had taken a part in the proceedings of the revolution, than to hear them speak of this monster of humanity as a well-meaning man, whose zeal at times, perhaps, carried him a little too far! Parallel in atrocity with the conduct of Collot d'Herbois, was that of another revolutionary commissioner, named Carryer, at the town of Nantes. Men, women, and even children, by his orders, were sent to the guillotine. Tired, however, like Collot d'Herbois, of the slow progress of this instrument, he invented a new mode of punishment. Vessels filled with trap-doors were laden with unhappy victims, to the number of one or two hundred at a time; and after being conducted to the middle of the river Loire, were there allowed to sink with their wretched freight. Often were the inhabitants of the surrounding district startled from their slumbers at midnight, by the shrieks of the drowning captives. So great, indeed, was the quantity of putrid corpses accumulated in the river Loire, in consequence of these horrible butcheries, that the very fish

became poisonous, and were prohibited from being sold in the public market. Incredible, however, as it must appear to those unacquainted with the sophistries of the human heart, it was in the name of virtue that these deeds were done. "It is," wrote Carryer to the convention-" it is from a love of humanity that I purge the land of liberty of these monsters."

The

In contemplating the dreadful miseries of civil war, as displayed in the events narrated in this chapter, cold must be that heart which does not rise in grateful adoration to Almighty God, for having exempted our beloved country from such appalling calamities. In comparison with the sufferings of France, at this period, the greatest social grievances of which England can complain, dwindle into insignificance. most superficial observer, however, can scarcely fail to recognise, in the events just described, the hand of Providence taking vengeance for the insult offered to his name and authority, by the atheistical population of France. No miracle was required to be wrought for the punishment of these bold transgressors. The earth had not to yawn-nor had the thunderbolt to be launched at their guilty heads. God

had but to withdraw his restraining hand, and immediately their own evil passions became the instrument of their punishment. "Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone," (Hosea iv. 17,) was the denunciation pronounced of old against a backsliding nation; nor can a more terrible judgment rest upon a people, than an abandonment of them by God to their sinful courses, after ineffectual calls to repentance have been addressed to them. May we, as a nation and as individuals, "not be highminded, but fear!" In the righteous judgments which overtook France for its departure from God, may we see the punishment which awaits ourselves, if national ingratitude provoke the Divine forbearance; and may we thus be quickened to deep humiliation for our multiplied iniquities, lest, peradventure, "the kingdom of God be taken from us, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof," Matt. xxi. 43.

CHAPTER IX.

State of France during the "reign of terror"-Execution of the authors of the Festival of Reason-Danton's trial and execution -Theatre in Paris-Remarkable scenes in the prisons-Character of the revolutionary courts, and anecdotes-Prostration of commerce-Robespierre's impious festival-His downfall, arrest, and execution; papers found in his repositories-His character.

FRANCE had now renounced the service of God, and bent the knee to Satan. Dreadfully exemplified was the severity of his iron yoke in the state of French society at this period. Terror waved its gloomy banner over the land; anarchy dissolved the bonds of the social fabric; blood flowed like water, and humanity appeared to have forsaken the earth. The revolution, as was happily observed, seemed, like the fabled Saturn, to be devouring its own children. The constitutional and monarchical party first fell. The Girondists, who had brought about that fall, next perished. The anarchical faction, too, after gaining apparently a victory over all its opponents, was doomed by a just retribution, to

be torn to pieces by its own dissensions. The atheistical leaders, who had been the promoters of the impious installation of the Goddess of Reason, described in a former chapter, were among the first of the anarchical party to taste the bitter consequences of their crimes. Having threatened some ultra-revolutionary movement, which was at variance with the interests or the inclinations of Robespierre, (who still continued to lead the popular will,) they were arrested, and nine days afterwards led forth to the guillotine. Gobet, the apostate bishop of Paris; Hebert, an infamous journalist; and Anacharsis Clootz, whose name occurs previously in this history, were among the number of the condemned. The latter offered to his companions in misfortune some atheistical arguments to fortify them against the terrors of death. Vain, however, were his miserable consolations. The voice of conscience proclaimed within the breasts of the wretched criminals the existence of another world, which, stained as they were by countless crimes, they trembled to enter. The apostate Gobet was overcome with terror. Hebert, who had so often gloated over the execution of the innocent, sank down from weakness, not of body, but of

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