When a man reflects on the condition which France was in from the nature of her government, he will see other causes for revolt than those which immediately connect themselves with the person or character of Louis XVI.
Paine asserts in "Rights of Man" that the French Revolution stemmed from systemic governmental issues rather than solely from the personal character of King Louis XVI.
Share
More from Thomas Paine
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.
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?
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.