"To establish any mode to abolish war, however advantageous it might be to Nations, would be to take from such Government the most lucrative of its branches"

This quote by Thomas Paine is referring to the concept of abolishing war as a method of dealing with disputes in between countries. Paine is recommending that while this may be beneficial to nations, it would be detrimental to federal governments. He is implying that war is a lucrative branch of federal government, as it provides them with resources and power. War is a way for governments to get control and impact over other nations, and to eliminate this alternative would be to remove a significant income source and power. Paine is recommending that while eliminating war may be useful to nations, it would be damaging to federal governments, as it would take away one of their most lucrative branches.