[The Writings of Thomas Paine<br> Volume II by Thomas Paine]@TWC D-Link book
The Writings of Thomas Paine
Volume II

CHAPTER II
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OF THE ORIGIN OF THE PRESENT OLD GOVERNMENTS.
It is impossible that such governments as have hitherto existed in the world, could have commenced by any other means than a total violation of every principle sacred and moral.

The obscurity in which the origin of all the present old governments is buried, implies the iniquity and disgrace with which they began.

The origin of the present government of America and France will ever be remembered, because it is honourable to record it; but with respect to the rest, even Flattery has consigned them to the tomb of time, without an inscription.
It could have been no difficult thing in the early and solitary ages of the world, while the chief employment of men was that of attending flocks and herds, for a banditti of ruffians to overrun a country, and lay it under contributions.

Their power being thus established, the chief of the band contrived to lose the name of Robber in that of Monarch; and hence the origin of Monarchy and Kings.
The origin of the Government of England, so far as relates to what is called its line of monarchy, being one of the latest, is perhaps the best recorded.


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