Quotes about Authority
If those to whom power is delegated do well, they will be respected: if not, they will be despised; and with regard to those to whom no power is delegated, but who assume it, the rational world can know nothing of them.
— Thomas Paine
One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an ass for a lion.
— Thomas Paine
The right of war and peace is in the nation. where else should it reside but in those who are to pay the expense?
— Thomas Paine
The House of Commons did not originate as a matter of right in the people to delegate or elect, but as a grant or boon.
— Thomas Paine
The government of a free country, properly speaking, is not in the persons, but in the laws.
— Thomas Paine
Though we have been wise enough to shut and lock the door against an absolute monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key.
— Thomas Paine
it is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion.
— Thomas Paine
And a government which cannot preserve the peace is no government at all, and in that case we pay our money for nothing;
— Thomas Paine
In a word a contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God's disposal and is willing to live in that sphere and climate where God has set him.
— Thomas Watson
He that commands us, will enable us.
— Thomas Watson
The Church and only the Church has been given the keys to the kingdom, so we have unique access to God that nobody else has.
— Tony Evans
The work of art is to dominate the spectator: the spectator is not to dominate the work of art.
— Oscar Wilde