CHAPTER I.THE ORIGIN OF PRIVILEGES.
In 1789 three classes of persons, the Clergy, the Nobles and the King, occupied the most prominent position in the State with all the advantages pertaining thereto namely, authority, property, honors, or, at the very least, privileges, immunities, favors, pensions, preferences, and the like.

If they occupied this position for so long a time, it is because for so long a time they had deserved it.

They had, in short, through an immense and secular effort, constructed by degrees the three principal foundations of modern society.
I.Services and Recompenses of the Clergy.
Of these three layered foundations the most ancient and deepest was the work of the clergy.

For twelve hundred years and more they had labored upon it, both as architects and workmen, at first alone and then almost alone .-- In the beginning, during the first four centuries, they constituted religion and the church.

Let us ponder over these two words; in order to weigh them well.