The hazard to which this office is exposed in all countries, is not from anything that can happen to the man, but from what may happen to the nation--the danger of its coming to its senses.
Paine observes that the true danger to a powerful office, like the crown, comes from the nation's populace becoming enlightened.
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More from Thomas Paine
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
Reason and discussion, persuasion and conviction, become the weapons in the contest, and it is only when those are attempted to be suppressed that recourse is had to violence.
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.