It is unnatural and impolitic to admit men who would root up our independence to have any share in our legislation, either as electors or representatives; because the support of our independence rests, in a great measure, on the vigor and purity of our public bodies.
Paine argues against allowing those who oppose American independence to participate in the new nation's legislative process, citing the importance of loyal public bodies.
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By the former, freedom has a national champion in the western world; and by the latter, in Europe.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
The insulted German and the enslaved Spaniard, the Russ and the Pole, are beginning to think.
In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.