This plausibility of setting off a dishonourable action, may pass for patriotism and sound principles with those who do not enter into its demerits, and whose interest is not injured, nor their happiness affected thereby.
Paine critiques the superficial understanding of patriotism that overlooks the moral implications of dishonorable actions.
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The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?
To account for this sudden transition, it is proper to observe that there are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, and the other by resentment.
It was a sort of new form of government that insensibly served to put the old one out of sight and to unhinge it from the superstitious authority of antiquity.