A mind habituated to actions of meanness and injustice, commits them without reflection, or with a very partial one; for on what other ground than this, can we account for the declaration of war against the Dutch?
Paine reflects on how habitual meanness and injustice can lead to unthinking actions, using the declaration of war as an example.
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I know the value of moral instruction, and I have seen the danger of the contrary.
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.
But from such opposition the French Revolution, instead of suffering, receives an homage.
It was Government dethroning Government; and the old one, by attempting to make a new one, made a chasm.