It must now take the substantial ground of character, instead of the chimerical ground of titles; and they have brought their titles to the altar, and made of them a burnt-offering to Reason.
Paine celebrates the French revolutionaries' decision to abandon hereditary titles, advocating for character as the true basis of social standing.
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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.
A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.
The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
Burke's Book is easily accounted for.--When a man in a wrong cause attempts to steer his course by anything else than some polar truth or principle, he is sure to be lost.