Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.
Paine argues that key historical events like the Declaration of Independence embodied fundamental principles, including natural rights and the justification for resisting oppression.
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A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.
The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.
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.