"There can not be a doctrine more fatal to the liberty and property we are contending for, than that which confounds the idea of a supreme and an arbitrary legislature.... If the majority can disfranchise ten boroughs, why not twenty--why not the whole kingdom? Why should not they make their own seats in parliament for life? When the septennial act passed, the legislature did what, apparently and palpably, they had no power to do."--Let. 68. Although the above doctrine that the people, not the legislature, are supreme, is not new, yet it was rarely asserted in the time of Paine, and renders the above parallel strong and peculiar. Even the same language is used in making the same application to the septennial act, which might as well have empowered the members of parliament to sit _for life_. * * * * * Here is a parallel on the opinion of the _jobbing_ spirit of courtiers: _Paine._ "Every nation that does not govern itself, is governed as a _job_. England has been the prey of _jobs_ ever since the revolution."--R. of M., part ii, chap, v., note. _Junius._ To Draper: "It would have been more decent in you to have called this dishonorable transaction by its true name, a _job_, to accommodate two persons by particular interest and management at the castle."--Let. 7. Both Paine and Junius frequently give vent to their detestation of gambling and gamblers. A single case in point is sufficient: _Paine._ "Those who knew the savage obstinacy of the king, and the jobbing, _gambling_ spirit of the court, predicted the fate of the petition."--Crisis, iii. _Junius._ To Bedford: "His own honor would have forbidden him from mixing his private pleasures or conversation with jockeys, _gamesters_, blasphemers, gladiators, and buffoons."--Let. 23. See, also, Let. 14. They both have the same opinion of the _theater_; but as the proof of this is only circumstantial, I will not cumber these pages with it. We know that Paine was a Quaker upon this point; and Junius contemptuously addresses Garrick, the actor, "Now mark me, _vagabond_! keep to your _pantomimes_," etc. * * * * * I now pass to consider their religious opinions. And, first, their views of God: _Paine._ "The Almighty hath implanted in us these unextinguishable feelings for good and wise purposes."--C. S. "The country was the gift of Heaven, and God alone is their Lord and sovereign."--Crisis, v. "From such men and such masters may the gracious hand of Heaven preserve America." _Junius._