"The priests," he said, "are of unreasonable tyranny, which still maintains its hold on consciences by the ill-broken thread of its power.

It is a faction 'scotched, not killed'-- it is the most dangerous of factions." Gensonne spake like a statesman, and counselled toleration towards conscientious priests, and the repulsion by force of law of the turbulent clergy.

During this discussion, couriers daily arriving from the country, brought news of fresh disorders.

Every where the constitutional priests were insulted, driven away, massacred at the foot of the altars.

The country churches, closed by order of the National Assembly, were burst open by axes, the nonjuring priests returned to them, urged by the fanaticism of the people.