The nation pertains to the priests, and the privileges of the priests appear to it the privileges of the people.

Joseph II., a premature but an armed philosopher, sought to emancipate the people from sacerdotal despotism.

Belgium had risen in arms against the liberty offered to her, and had sided with her oppressors.

The fanaticism of the priests, and of the municipal privileges, united in a feeling of resistance to Joseph II., had set all Belgium in a flame.

The rebels had captured GHENT and BRUSSELS, and proclaimed the downfall of the house of Austria, and the sovereignty of the Pays Bas.