Many were dabblers in what they supposed metaphysics, for whom Paine provided his distinctions and definitions, in such a way as to give them a notion, that when they were repeating his words, they were pouring forth philosophy. He bestowed on them, with a liberal hand, his _imprescriptible rights, organization, general will, attaint upon principles_, and many other phrases, from which his votaries thought themselves as much instructed, as the under grave-digger in Hamlet supposed himself from the learned distinctions of the upper. To a man who should estimate the probable reception of opinions, solely by their truths, it would appear extremely wonderful how so nonsensical jargon came ever to have any currency. Recollection of history, however, and attention to mankind, prevents surprise, that even Paine’s declamations were applauded. History, indeed, and even the history of our own country, shews us, that Tom Paine, extravagant as he is, is far from being new. Our hero remarked, that there was a wonderful resemblance between Tom Paine and John Cade; Jack maintained the same doctrine of equality and rank, and as he could not raise himself to the level of men of merit and abilities, his next best expedient was to pull them down to his level. Shakespeare, who so thoroughly knew the human mind in all its vagaries, describes John Cade, John Holland, George Bevis, &c. as speaking not only the sentiments, but almost the very language which Paine has since used. Says Paine, “All men are equal; all artificial distinctions, such as rank, title, and corporate bodies, are contrary to natural equality, and the rights of man!” Hear we John Holland and George Bevis. “_Holland._ Well, I say, twas never a merry world in England since gentlemen came up. _Bevis._ O miserable age! Virtue is not regarded in handicraftsmen. _Holland._ The nobility think scorn to go in leather aprons. _Bevis._ Nay more, the King’s council are no good workmen. _Holland._ True, and yet it is said--labour in thy vocation; which is as much as to say, let the magistrates be labouring men, _and therefore should_ WE _be magistrates_.” We may observe a vast similarity of policy between John Cade himself and Tom Paine. Says Paine, “Down with your lords and commons, and kings and bishops, destroy them all: pull down your universities, and cathedrals, and corporations; down, down with them all!” Cade had long before anticipated the same exhortations. “Go, (says he,) and set London-bridge on fire; and, if you can, burn down the tower too.--Go, some, and pull down the Savoy; others to the Inns of Court; down with them all.--Burn all the records of the realms; _my mouth shall be the Parliament of England, and hence-forward all things shall be in common_.”