“Precisely in proportion to our own intellectual weakness will be our credulity as to those mysterious powers assumed by others.”

I appreciate the use of assumed here. Not inherent but, on the order of usurpation. In a society of freemen, rights, whether protected, exercised or dormant (as per an intellectual weakness or otherwise) are acted upon (as averse to react) as sacrosanct understandings of an individual sovereign's inalienable status of being.

We have an ample supply of "Mysterious Powers" in our government. Thousands of people making policy that never need to be elected and remain mostly unseen.

When fishing in a stream, sometimes it is best, to stand on one rock at a time. Intellectual weakness is the lack of understanding. Understanding based upon fact, Pins Up with strength. The only powers that be, are ordained by God, whether good or bad, he makes the sun to shine on both. The weakness of men and their fault of presumption is lighter than air, vanity speaks without knowledge. Sacred understanding has for much of the time, come forth in part, like notes in a scale, each note distinct when sounded, but when the time to compose into harmony, the whole song comes forth. Like gravity the natal agent is influenced to act upon, whether conscience of, or not. Our founding fathers were very conscience of their words and actions, they assumed nothing. I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Liberty in God. That I may Know ( Gesnosco, absolute ) him and the power of his propitiation in blood, that I might attain unto Eternal life. There is but one Rule of Natural law, we follow that same rule. The excellency of the knowledge is heaven based. It excels above earthly knowledge, lit. and fig. The Spirit of Liberty is Eternal !

The dumbing down of America is no accident.  Now we all must trust in the Wizard of Oz.  Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.  (If I only had a brain...)