The only line to judge truly upon is to draw out and admit all the objections which can fairly be made, and place against them all the contrary qualities, conveniences and advantages, then by striking a balance you come at the true character of any scheme, principle or position.
Paine outlines a method for evaluating proposals, emphasizing a balanced consideration of pros and cons.
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Where these can have the opportunity of acting, opposition dies with fear, or crumbles away by conviction.
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.
By the former, freedom has a national champion in the western world; and by the latter, in Europe.
Long experience however has shown, that reforms of this kind are not those which old governments wish to promote, and therefore it is to nations, and not to such governments, that these matters present themselves.