Let us now pass over to America, and we find, near the close of 1778, Mr. Paine uses the same method and language, when addressing the people of England in Crisis, vii: "A period of sixteen years of misconduct and misfortune is certainly long enough for any one nation to suffer under." He elsewhere uses the same language in the same way, which shows a mental habit peculiar to both. * * * * * The same opinion of court and courtier has elsewhere been shown, but a definite parallel or two may not be out of place: _Paine._ "For the caterpillar principles of all courts and courtiers are alike."--Rights of Man, part i. _Junius._ "Where birth and fortune are united, we expect the noble pride and independence of a man of spirit, not the servile, humiliating complaisance of a courtier."--Let. 1. They held the same opinion of oaths: _Paine._ "If a government requires the support of oaths, it is a sign that it is not worth supporting, and ought not to be supported."--R. of M., part ii, chap. iv. _Junius._ "He [the minister] is the tenant of the day, and has no interest in the inheritance. The sovereign himself is bound by other obligations, and ought to look forward to a superior, a permanent interest. His paternal tenderness should remind him how many hostages he has given to society. The ties of nature come powerfully in aid of _oaths_ and protestations."--Let. 38. They place _personal interest_ above strict _moral right_, as a means of improvement: _Paine._ "As to mere theoretical reformation, I have never preached it up. The most effectual process is that of improving the condition of man by means of his interest, and it is on this ground that I take my stand."--R. of M., part ii, chap. v. _Junius._ "It will be said, that I deny at one moment what I would allow at another. To this I answer, generally, that human affairs are in no instance governed by strict, positive right.... My premises, I know, will be denied in argument, but every man's conscience tells him they are true. It remains then to be considered whether it be for the _interest of the people_," etc.--Let. 44. The reader will here see a mental characteristic the same, and a philosophy growing therefrom which is boldly affirmed by both. * * * * * That we gather strength by antagonism, and in this way the vicious are often brought into notice and become successful, is a prominent fact noticed by both. _Paine._