It is a great standing which they have now universally obtained; and we may hereafter hope to see revolutions, or changes in governments, produced with the same quiet operation by which any measure, determinable by reason and discussion, is accomplished.
Paine expresses optimism that future governmental changes will be achieved peacefully through reason and discussion, rather than through violent revolution.
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More from Thomas Paine
When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.
There ought, therefore, to be in every nation a method of occasionally ascertaining the state of public opinion with respect to government.
The poor, in all countries, are naturally both peaceable and grateful in all reforms in which their interest and happiness is included.
I presume, that though all the people of England pay taxes, not an hundredth part of them are electors, and the members of one of the houses of parliament represent nobody but themselves.