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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The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
But from such opposition the French Revolution, instead of suffering, receives an homage.
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.