It must now take the substantial ground of character, instead of the chimerical ground of titles; and they have brought their titles to the altar, and made of them a burnt-offering to Reason.
Paine celebrates the French revolutionaries' decision to abandon hereditary titles, advocating for character as the true basis of social standing.
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But from such opposition the French Revolution, instead of suffering, receives an homage.
I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.