Gazette Of The United States

FROM THE CONNECTICUT COURANT.

The present revolution in France has been slightly hinted at and predicted by Voltaire and others; but by none does it appear to be so clearly predicted and ascertained, as by Monsieur le Mercier, in his Tableau de Paris, or Picture of Paris.

The following passage, translated from that interesting picture of Parisian manners, will clearly evince that the present revolution was inevitable; that it was not the effect of popular caprice, or blind zeal of enthusiasts but the necessary consequence of the rapid advancement of science in that kingdom, and a just knowledge of the rights of human nature.

"For these thirty years alone, a great and important revolution, in our ideas, has been effected. The public opinion, this day, in Europe, has a preponderating influence, which nothing can resist: Thus while we admire the progress of science, and the change which must flow from it, we are permitted to hope, that it will produce to the world the greatest good, and that tyrants of every kind will tremble before that universal cry, which now resounds and continues to fill and rouse all Europe.

"It is by means of letters and of writers, that just ideas have, for these thirty years, with rapidity, pervaded all the provinces of France, and that the offices of government have been filled with excellent magistrates. All the enlightened citizens, at this day, are actuated by the same sentiments. New ideas circulate freely; every thing that relates to instruction, is adopted with boldness. The spirit of observation is fine, which spreads in every part, promises us the same advantages that some of our happy neighbours now enjoy. Writers have diffused real treasures, in giving us the most just, the most delightful ideas, and inspiring us with those gentle, those indulgent virtues, which form and embellish society.

"Preachers of morality appear not to be ignorant of man, and to enflame his passions, instead of rendering them calm and moderate. The bias, which letters have, for these some years past, thus produced, will at length become useful to humanity; and those, who are incredulous of their salutary influence, are either blind or hypocritical.

"The influence of writers is such, at this day, that they can announce their hopes, and no longer disguise that lawful authority, which they have over the human mind. Standing firm on the basis of public good, and the real knowledge of human nature, they will direct national ideas. The wills of individuals are already in their hands. Morality is now become the principal study of noble minds; literary glory seems hereafter to be destined to him, who shall, with the most firm voice, support the interest of nations.

"Writers, sensible of their august employments, will be jealous of answering the importance of their trust; and we already behold, truth, with boldness extending herself on every side. It is presumed, that this general tendency will produce a happy revolution."

The Philanthropist and the Philosopher are highly gratified in reflecting, that this revolution has in fact taken place, and upon such principles as must ensure its success; and may safely conclude, from this pleasing prospect, that similar revolutions, in favor of the rights of humanity, and founded on similar principles, will soon pervade not only Europe but the world.