Letter of Thomas Paine to the people of France. Published and distributed gratis by the London Corresponding Society
Contributions
- Thomas Paine
- author
- London Corresponding Society
- publisher
Related resources
- is other edition
- Miscellaneous articles by Thomas Paine. Consisting of a letter to the Marquis of Lansdowne. A letter to the authors of the Republican. A letter to the abbe Syeyes. Thoughts on the peace, and the probable advantages thereof. First letter to Mr. Secretary Dundas. Letter to Lord Onslow. Second letter to Mr. Dundas. And a letter to the People of France has other edition
- has other edition
- Paine's Address to the Republic of France. Sept. 25, 1792 translation
- has translation
- Lettre de Thomas Paine au peuple françois. Paris, le 25 septembre, l'an premier de la république translation
- has translation
- Lettre au peuple de France translation
Summary (extracted citations)
"Convinced that the cause of France is the cause of all mankind, and that as liberty cannot be purchased by a wish, I gladly share with you the dangers and honours necessary to success". [p.4] "The same spirit of fortitude that insured success to America, will insure it to France; for it is impossible to conquer a nation determined to be free!" [p.5] "The public cause has hitherto suffered from the contradiction contained in the Constitution of the former Constituent Assembly. Those contradictions have served to divide the opinions of individuals at home, and to obscure the great principles of the Revolution in other countries. But when those contradictions shall be removed, and the Constitution be made conformable to the Declaration of Rights; when the bagatelles of monarchy, royalty, regency, and hereditary succession, shall be exposed with all their absurdities, a new ray of light will be thrown over the world, and the Revolution will derive new strength by being universally understood. The scene that now opens itself to France extends far beyond the boundaries of her own dominions. Every Nation is becoming her colleague, and every Court is become her enemy. It is now the cause of all Nations against the cause of all Courts. The terrors that Despotism felt, clandestinely begot a confederation of Despots; and their attack upon France was produced by their fears at home. In entering on this great scene, greater than any nation has yet been called to act in, let us say to the agitated mind, be calm. Let us punish by instructing, rather than by revenge. Let us begin the new aera by a greatness of friendship, and hail the approach of union and success. Your Fellow Citizen, THOMAS PAINE". [pp.7-8]