The utmost hope of America in the year 1776, reached no higher than that she might not then be conquered.
Thomas Paine: “The utmost hope of America in the year 1776, reached no higher than that she might not then be conquered.”
Editor's note · Context
Reflecting on the early struggles of the American Revolution, Paine describes the modest aspirations for survival during a difficult year.
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But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.
Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?
If, therefore, the good to be obtained be worthy of a passive, rational, and costless revolution, it would be bad policy to prefer waiting for a calamity that should force a violent one.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.