Pains, punishments, torture, and death, were made the business of mankind, until compassion, the fairest associate of the heart, was driven from its place; and the eye, accustomed to continual cruelty, could behold it without offence.
Paine reflects on the historical brutality of mankind and the loss of compassion in society.
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But from such opposition the French Revolution, instead of suffering, receives an homage.
He writes neither in the character of a Frenchman nor an Englishman, but in the fawning character of that creature known in all countries, and a friend to none--a courtier.
I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.