"Precedents, in opposition to principle, have little weight with Junius, but he thought it necessary to meet the ministry on their own ground."--Let. 16, note. "I am no friend to the doctrine of precedents, exclusive of right, though lawyers often tell us that whatever has been done once may lawfully be done again."--Preface. Many examples could be given of the above likeness, but these are sufficient. * * * * * I submit the following in regard to Lord North: _Paine._ "As for Lord North, it is his happiness to have in him more philosophy than sentiment, for he bears flogging like a top, and sleeps the better for it. His punishment becomes his support, for while he suffers the lash for his sins, he keeps himself up by twirling about. In politics, he is a good arithmetician, and in every thing else _nothing at all_."--Crisis, vii. _Junius._ "The management of the king's affairs in the House of Commons can not be more disgraced than it has been. A leading minister repeatedly called down for absolute ignorance, ridiculous motions ridiculously withdrawn, deliberate plans disconcerted, a week's preparation of graceful oratory lost in a moment, give us some though not adequate ideas of Lord North's parliamentary abilities and influence. Yet, before he had the misfortune of being Chancellor of the Exchequer, he was neither an object of derision to his enemies, nor of melancholy pity to his friends. I hope he [Grafton] will not rely on the fertility of Lord North's genius for finance; _his lordship is yet to give us the first proof of his abilities_."--Let. 1. Mr. Paine, no doubt, had in his mind this passage of Junius when he described him as a twirling top, a good arithmetician in _politics_, but in every thing else nothing at all. * * * * * In speaking of the misconduct of England, they both make it commence at the termination of the Seven Years' War, and speak of the time reckoned from the beginning of the year 1763. I will notice Junius first, so as to present this parallel in chronological order. He says in his first Letter, written Jan. 21, 1769: "Outraged and oppressed as we are, this nation will not bear, _after a six years'_ peace, to see new millions," etc. On February 14, 1770, he says: "_At the end of seven years_ we are loaded with a debt," etc. This is the method, in regard to time Junius always employs when speaking of the distress and calamities of England.