It is not for the benefit of those who exercise the powers of government that constitutions, and the governments issuing from them, are established.
Thomas Paine: “It is not for the benefit of those who exercise the powers of government that constitutions, and the governments issuing…”
Editor's note · Context
He declares that constitutions and governments are established for the benefit of the nation, not for the personal advantage of those in power.
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As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
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…
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