Journal

17 June 1789

The growing restlessness among the citizens concerns me much lately. I spent many hours of the morning in silent prayer for a country divided--my country. What is to happen? . . . .
Word has reached my chambers that the commoners, members of the Third Estate, have gathered on their own to propose reforms and address supposed injustices. Other clergy have called meetings tonight which I woefully plan on attending.

22 June 1789

In aligning ourselves with the Third Estate, there is a hope that a disastrous uprising among the population might readily be averted. We are sympathetic to their cause, but not prepared to allow violence to come from these events. I am concerned that many of my prayers will go unanswered.

14 July 1789

The undermining of the Bastille was unavoidable, as the pleas of various clergy have constantly gone unheard by the people. I am left with no definite course of action. A revolution of the French people is at hand.


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Composed by Jarod Perkins of Miami University of Ohio.