It was highly necessary to provide against this unexpected peril.
There were only two means of extinguishing this flame at its source: either by freedom of conscience, stoutly maintained by the executive power, or persecution of the ministers of the ancient faith.

The undecided Assembly wavered between these two parties.

On a report of Gallois and Gensonne, sent as commissioners into the departments of the west, to investigate the causes of the agitation and the feelings of the people, the discussion commenced.

Fauchet, a conforming priest and celebrated preacher, subsequently constitutional bishop of Calvados, opened the debate.

He was one of those men who, beneath an ecclesiastical garb, conceal the heart of a philosopher.