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The Great Controversy 1888
that inhabiteth eternity,” it was only a little time till she descended to
degrading idolatry, by the worship of the Goddess of Reason, in the
person of a profligate woman. And this in the representative assem-
bly of the nation, and by its highest civil and legislative authorities!
Says the historian: “One of the ceremonies of this insane time stands
unrivaled for absurdity combined with impiety. The doors of the con-
vention were thrown open to a band of musicians, preceded by whom
the members of the municipal body entered in solemn procession,
singing a hymn in praise of liberty, and escorting, as the object of their
future worship, a veiled female whom they termed the Goddess of
Reason. Being brought within the bar, she was unveiled with great
form, and placed on the right hand of the president, when she was
generally recognized as a dancing girl of the opera.... To this person,
as the fittest representative of that reason whom they worshiped, the
national convention of France rendered public homage. This impious
and ridiculous mummery had a certain fashion; and the installation
of the Goddess of Reason was renewed and imitated throughout the
nation in such places where the inhabitants desired to show themselves
equal to all the heights of the Revolution.”
Said the orator who introduced the worship of reason: “Legislative
fanaticism has lost its hold; it has given place to reason. We have left
its temples; they are regenerated. Today an immense multitude are
assembled under its gothic roofs, which, for the first time, will re-echo
the voice of truth. There the French will celebrate the true worship,
that of Liberty and Reason. There we will form new vows for the
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prosperity of the armies of the Republic; there we will abandon the
worship of inanimate idols for that of Reason—this animated image,
the masterpiece of creation.”
When the goddess was brought into the convention, the orator took
her by the hand, and turning to the assembly said: “Mortals, cease
to tremble before the powerless thunders of a God whom your fears
have created. Henceforth acknowledge no divinity but Reason. I offer
you its noblest and purest image; if you must have idols, sacrifice only
to such as this.... Fall before the august senate of freedom, veil of
Reason.”
“The goddess, after being embraced by the president, was mounted
on a magnificent car, and conducted, amidst an immense crowd, to the