Undoubtedly it would be better were man not compelled to change: but what! because he is born ignorant, because he exists only on condition of gradual self-instruction, must he abjure the light, abdicate his reason, and abandon himself to fortune?
Perfect health is better than convalescence: should the sick man, therefore, refuse to be cured?
Reform, reform! cried, ages since, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

Reform, reform! cried our fathers, fifty years ago; and for a long time to come we shall shout, Reform, reform! Seeing the misery of my age, I said to myself: Among the principles that support society, there is one which it does not understand, which its ignorance has vitiated, and which causes all the evil that exists.

This principle is the most ancient of all; for it is a characteristic of revolutions to tear down the most modern principles, and to respect those of long-standing.

Now the evil by which we suffer is anterior to all revolutions.

This principle, impaired by our ignorance, is honored and cherished; for if it were not cherished it would harm nobody, it would be without influence.
But this principle, right in its purpose, but misunderstood: this principle, as old as humanity, what is it?
Can it be religion?
All men believe in God: this dogma belongs at once to their conscience and their mind.