If he believes not as thou believest, it is a proof that thou believest not as he believes, and there is no earthly power can determine between you.
Thomas Paine: “If he believes not as thou believest, it is a proof that thou believest not as he believes, and there is no earthly…”
Editor's note · Context
In "Rights of Man," this statement emphasizes the futility of one person or institution dictating another's religious belief.
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The meaning, then, good people, of all this, is: That government is governed by no principle whatever; that it can make evil good, or good evil, just as it pleases.
To account for this sudden transition, it is proper to observe that there are two distinct species of popularity; the one excited by merit, and the other by resentment.
The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.