Page 32 - 15 The Bible and the French Revolution

justice they are to be charged upon the

church. Popery had poisoned the minds of

kings against the Reformation, as an enemy

to the crown, an element of discord that

would be fatal to the peace and harmony of

the nation. It was the genius of Rome that by

this means inspired the direst cruelty and the

most galling oppression which proceeded

from the throne.

The spirit of liberty went with the Bible.

Wherever the gospel was received, the minds

of the people were awakened. They began to

cast off the shackles that had held them

bondslaves of ignorance, vice, and

superstition. They began to think and act as

men. Monarchs saw it and trembled for their

despotism.

Rome was not slow to inflame their jealous

fears. Said the pope to the regent of France in