ABSTRACT
There is a minuteness and narrowness of mind displayed in many of Mr. Burke’s criticisms on the French Revolution, which, I think, quite unworthy of him. He tries this astonishing transaction, which is above all rule, and a rule to itself, by the common maxims that govern the most trifling events in life. He cannot see any thing to admire in the conduct of the National Assembly, because the good they did was accidentally attended with some temporary evils; and he is not able to approve the many excellent regulations they have made, because they wanted the sanction of certain formaties, which at such a time could not be obtained. Rather than break through the old forms of the Government, he would have risked the happiness of 25 millions of men. When a sublime and original principle is offered to hit consideration, he cannot approve it, because there is no precedent. His friend, Mr. Grattan, observed in the Irish House of Commons, to one who made a similar objection to a proposed measure—that great events never have precedents—the Christian Religion had no precedent—the Revolution had no precedent, &c.
