It is said that the Revolution arose from various causes: as,
1. The people had no part of the power of legislation.
2. They were deprived of the right of a trial by jury.
3. They paid more than their proportion of the public taxes, because the nobility, clergy, &c. were exempted from paying a land-tax.
4. They were under some laws peculiarly oppressive.
Their grievances will appear by the following resolutions, which on the 4th of August, 1789, the National Assembly unanimously agreed to, as a proof of their genuine patriotism to the people, as their affectionate and disinterested representatives, devoid of every motive but the common good; and, to give a great example to nations and ages, in the sacrifice of every abusive right and privilege whatsoever, incidental to all the orders, provinces, cities and communities, will raise the French name to a heighth unparalleled in history, and consecrate their memory as worthy of representing the enlightened knowledge, the courage, and the virtues of so great and generous a people.
"Article I. An equality of taxes, to commence from the present moment.
"II. The renunciation of all privileges for orders, cities, provinces, and individuals; a general uniformity to take place through the whole kingdom.
"III. The redemption of all feudal rights.
"IV. A suppression of mortmain and personal servitude.