Life And Writings Of Thomas Paine; The Crisis

Synopsis

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1908. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... the crisis number ii To Lord Howe What's in the name of lord, that I should fear To bring my grievance to the public ear?--Churchill. T tni vers al empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal Court of Britain; he that rebels against reason is a real rebel, but he that in defense of reason, rebels against tyranny, has a better title to Defender of the Faith than George iii. As a military man, Your Lordship may hold out the sword of war, and call it the ultima ratio re gum the last reason of Kings; we in return can show you the sword of justice, and call it, the best scourge of tyrants. The first of these two may threaten, or even frighten for a while, and cast a sickly languor over an insulted people, but reason will soon recover the debauch, and restore them again to tranquil fortitude. Your Lordship, I find, has now commenced author, and published a Proclaviation: I have published a Crisis; as they stand, they are the antipodes of each other; both cannot rise at once, and one of them must descend; and so quick is the revolution of things, that Your Lordship's performance, I see, has already fallen many degrees from its first place, and is now just visible on the edge of the political horizon. It is surprising to what a pitch of infatuation, blind folly and obstinacy will carry mankind, and Your Lordship's drowsy proclamation is a proof that it does not even quit them in their sleep. Perhaps you thought America too was taking a nap, and therefore chose, like Satan to Eve, to whisper the delusion softly, lest you should awaken her. This cont...