From the second we must infer that privileges
which, for several centuries, were not only never
allowed, but never even claimed by the House of
Commons, must be founded upon usurpation."--Let.
44.

In regard to America, I have shown their views to run parallel. Mr.
Paine says in Crisis vii: "The ministry and minority have both been
wrong." And Junius says in his first Letter: "But unfortunately for his
country, Mr. Grenville was at any rate to be distressed because he was
minister, and Mr. Pitt and Lord Camden were to be the patrons of America
because they were in opposition." The minority here meant no more than
the ruin of a minister and split the nation, without doing the colonies
any good. Mr. Paine also says of Lord Chatham on this same point in
Crisis viii: "An opinion hangs about the gentlemen of the minority, that
America would relish measures under their administration which she would
not from the present cabinet. On this rock Lord Chatham would have split
had he gained the helm."

I bring forward this parallel to show three things, the same political
opinions, the same views of the parties in England, and the same figures
of speech, all thrown into the same subject-matter. This, together with
the same resemblance in style, surely point to the same author.

This leads me on to speak of other private opinions. And first of
lawyers, and especially Lord Mansfield:

_Paine._

"It is difficult to know when a lawyer is to be
believed."--Let. to Erskine, Int.

_Junius._

"As a practical profession, the study of the law
requires but a moderate portion of abilities. The
learning of a pleader is usually upon a level with
his integrity. The indiscriminate defense of right
and wrong contracts the understanding, while it
corrupts the heart. Subtlety is soon mistaken for
wisdom, and impunity for virtue. If there be any
instances upon record as some there are
undoubtedly of genius and morality united in a
lawyer, they are distinguished by their
singularity, and operate as exceptions."--Let. 67.

Of those who preside at St. James': "They know no
other influence than corruption, and reckon all
their probabilities from precedent. A new case is