House of Paine

the vile mr burke

  

             on


Man's Obligation To The State



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"To avoid therefore 
the evils of inconstancy and versatility
 ten thousand times worse 
than those of obstinacy and the blindest prejudice
 we have consecrated the state
 that no man should approach 
to look into its defects or corruptions 
but with due caution; 

that he should never dream 
of beginning its reformation
 by its subversion" 

that he should approach 
to the faults of the state
 as to the wounds of a father
 with pious awe and trembling solicitude

 By this wise prejudice 
we are taught to look with horror 
on those children of their country
 who are prompt rashly 
to hack that aged parent in pieces
 and 
put him into the kettle of magicians
 in hopes that by their poisonous weeds
 and 
wild incantations
 they may regenerate the paternal constitution
 and
 renovate their father's life.