naturally, those which arise through a community of interests, are
all dispersed, and the broadest, most express, and most positive
interdictions are promulgated against their revival under any pretext
whatever.[2250] France is cut up into geometrical sections like a
chess-board, and, within these improvised limits, which are destined
for a long time to remain artificial, nothing is allowed to subsist
but isolated individuals in juxtaposition. There is no desire to spare
organized bodies where the cohesion is great, and least of all that
of the clergy. "Special associations," says Mirabeau,[2251] "in the
community at large, break up the unity of its principles and destroy
the equilibrium of its forces. Large political bodies in a State are
dangerous through the strength which results from their coalition and
the resistance which is born out of their interests." ii--That of the
clergy, besides, is inherently bad,[2252] because "its system is in
constant antagonism to the rights of man." An institution in which a
vow of obedience is necessary is "incompatible" with the constitution.
Congregations "subject to independent chiefs are out of the social pale
and incompatible with public spirit." As to the right of society over
these, and also over the Church, this is not doubtful. "Corporate bodies
exist only through society, and, in destroying them, society merely
takes back the life she has imparted to them." "They are simply
instruments fabricated by the law.[2253] What does the workman do
when the tool he works with no longer suits him? He breaks or alters
it."--This primary sophism being admitted the conclusion is plain. Since
corporate bodies are abolished they no longer exist, and since they no
longer exist, they cannot again become proprietors.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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