In this pause then of recollection--while the storm is ceasing, and the long agitated mind vibrating to a rest, let us look back on the scenes we have passed, and learn from experience what is yet to be done.
Paine urges his readers to use the period of calm after the revolution to reflect on past experiences and determine future actions.
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The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
The American constitutions were to liberty what a grammar is to language: they define its parts of speech, and practically construct them into syntax.