The Loyalists were fiercely critical of Common Sense. They saw it as a dangerous and seditious piece of writing that threatened the stability of the British Empire. They argued that Paine was a radical and a demagogue who was inciting the colonists to rebellion. They also accused him of appealing to the passions and prejudices of the people rather than to reason and common sense. In general, the Loyalists considered Paine's pamphlet to be a threat to their way of life and their allegiance to the British crown.