The long and raging hurricane that should cease in a moment, would leave us in a state rather of wonder than enjoyment; and some moments of recollection must pass, before we could be capable of tasting the felicity of repose.
Paine uses the metaphor of a sudden calm after a hurricane to explain why a period of reflection is needed before true enjoyment of peace can begin.
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The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
The Parliaments on their part insisted that they had not only a right to remonstrate, but to reject; and on this ground they were always supported by the nation.
It was Government dethroning Government; and the old one, by attempting to make a new one, made a chasm.
The animosity of the English nation, it is very well remembered, ran high; and, had the true principles of Liberty been as well understood then as they now promise to be, it is probable the Nation would not have patiently submitted to so…