But when the country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir.
Thomas Paine: “But when the country, into which I had just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears, it was time to stir.”
Editor's note · Context
Paine explains his motivation for joining the American cause, describing the sudden outbreak of conflict in his newly adopted home.
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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.
Discussion and the general will arbitrates the question, and to this, private opinion yields with a good grace, and order is preserved uninterrupted.
I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.