reigns, though the dispositions of the men were as remote as tyranny
and benevolence.

What Mr. Burke considers as a reproach to the French Revolution (that
of bringing it forward under a reign more mild than the preceding
ones) is one of its highest honors. The Revolutions that have taken
place in other European countries, have been excited by personal
hatred. The rage was against the man, and he became the victim. But,
in the instance of France we see a Revolution generated in the
rational contemplation of the Rights of Man, and distinguishing from
the beginning between persons and principles.

But Mr. Burke appears to have no idea of principles when he is
contemplating Governments. "Ten years ago," says he, "I could have
felicitated France on her having a Government, without inquiring what
the nature of that Government was, or how it was administered." Is
this the language of a rational man? Is it the language of a heart
feeling as it ought to feel for the rights and happiness of the human
race? On this ground, Mr. Burke must compliment all the Governments
in the world, while the victims who suffer under them, whether sold
into slavery, or tortured out of existence, are wholly forgotten. It
is power, and not principles, that Mr. Burke venerates; and under
this abominable depravity he is disqualified to judge between them.
Thus much for his opinion as to the occasions of the French
Revolution. I now proceed to other considerations.

I know a place in America called Point-no-Point, because as you
proceed along the shore, gay and flowery as Mr. Burke's language, it
continually recedes and presents itself at a distance before you; but
when you have got as far as you can go, there is no point at all.