On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
To suppose that any government can be a party in a compact with the whole people, is to suppose it to have existence before it can have a right to exist.
Said by
Thomas Paine
Source
gutenberg.orgThomas Paine: “To suppose that any government can be a party in a compact with the whole people, is to suppose it to have existence…”
Editor's note · Context
From "Rights of Man," this passage argues against the idea of government as a party to a compact with the people, asserting it would imply pre-existence.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
Jan 1, 1791
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…
Jan 1, 1791
Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
Jan 1, 1791
I have no idea, considering the reforms which are now passing and spreading throughout Europe, that England will permit herself to be the last; and where the occasion and the opportunity quietly offer, it is better than to wait for a…
Jan 1, 1791
But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.