(January 29, 1737–June 8, 1809), was the American Revolutionary author who wrote a sixteen-pamphlet series entitled, The American Crisis, which he signed “Common Sense.” Greatly fanning the flames of colonial independence, his first essay, issued December 23, 1776, was read out loud to the Colonial Army at Valley Forge by order of General Washington. In it, Thomas Paine wrote:
These are the times that try men’s souls. the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; ’tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
Britain, with an army to enforce her tryanny, has declared that she a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,” and if being bound in that manner, is not slaver, then is there no such a thing as slavery upon earth.
Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can only belong to God …
I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almight will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.
Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that he has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to Heaven for help against us: a common murder, a highwayman,or a housebreaker, has as good a pretence as he. …
Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but “show your faith by your works” that God may bless you. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all.
The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike.
The heart that feels not now is dead: the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from disress, and grow brave by reflection.
’Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.1134
The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Where, say some, is the king of America? I’ll tell you, friend, He reigns above.1135
Yet that we may not appear to be defective even in earthly honors, let a day be solemnly set apart for proclaiming the charter; let it be placed on the divine law, the Word of God; let a crown be placed thereon.1136
The Almighty implanted in us these inextinguishable feelings for good and wise purposes. They are the guardians of His image in our heart. They distinguish us from the herd of common animals.1137
Attributed to Thomas Paine, The American Patriot’s Prayer, written in 1776, reflected the sentiment of the colonies:
THE AMERICAN PATRIOT’S PRAYER
Parent of all, omnipotent
In heav’n and earth below,
Thro’ all creation’s bounds unspent,
Whose streams of goodness flow,
Teach me to know from whence I rose,
and unto what designed;
No private aims let me propose,
Since linked with human kind.
But chief to hear my country’s voice,
may all my thoughts incline,
’Tis reason’s law, ’tis virtue’s choice,
’Tis nature’s call and thine.
Me from fair freedom’s sacred cause,
Let nothing e’er divide;
Grandeur, nor gold, nor vain applause,
Nor friendship false misguide.
Let me not faction’s partial hate
Pursue to this land’s woe;
Nor grasp the thunder of the state,
To wound a private foe.
If, for the right, to wish the wrong
My country shall combine,
Single to serve th’ erron’ous throng,
Spirit of themselves, be mine.1138
In 1790, Benjamin Franklin wrote to Thomas Paine regarding his copy of the manuscript of The Age of Reason:
I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundation of all religion. For without the belief of a Providence that takes cognizance of, guards, and guides, and may favor particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear his displeasure, or to pray for his protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles, though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion that … the consequence of printing this piece will be a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and no benefit to others. He that spits into the wind, spits in his own face. But were you to succeed, do you imagine any good would be done by it? … Think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth of both sexes who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue. … I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person. … If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it? I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship.1139
In retorting Thomas Paine’s assertions, John Adams stated in his diary, July 26, 1796:
The Christian religion is, above all the Religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of Wisdom, Virtue, Equity, and Humanity. Let the Blackguard Paine say what he will; it is Resignation to God, it is Goodness itself to Man.1140
On November 30, 1802, in his last known letter to Thomas Paine, Samuel Adams wrote:
When I heard you had turned your mind to a defense of infidelity, I felt myself much astounded and more grieved, that you had attempted a measure so injurious to the feelings and so repugnant to the true interest of so great a part of the citizens of the United States. The people of New England, if you will allow me to use a Scripture phrase, are fast returning to their first love. Will you excite among them the spirit of angry controversy at a time when they are hastening to amity and peace? I am told that some of our newspapers have announced your intention to publish an additional pamphlet upon the principles of your Age of Reason. Do you think that your pen, or the pen of any other man, can unchristianize the mass of our citizens, or have you hopes of converting a few of them to assist you in so bad a cause.1141
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, described Paine’s work as:
… blasphemous writings against the Christian religion.1142
Thomas Paine lost his popularity when he wrote The Age of Reason, a work embracing French Rationalism. In his later years, though, he is attributed with having stated:
I would give worlds, if I had them, if The Age of Reason had never been published. O Lord, help! Stay with me! It is hell to be left alone.1143
Thomas Paine stated:
Reputation is what men and women think of us; character in what God and the angels know of us.1144
Thomas Paine stated:
I believe in one God. … and I hope for happiness beyond this life.1145
Thomas Paine, a man who was an “Englishman by birth, French citizen by decree, and American by adoption,” gave his last words:
I die in perfect composure and resignation to the will of my Creator, God.1146