ch, I trust, will be my stay and guidance to
the end.

* * * * *

THOMAS PAINE

THE AGE OF REASON

In 1774, Thomas Paine, thirty-seven years of age, landed
unknown and penniless in the American colonies. Born at
Thetford, Norfolk, England, Jan. 29, 1737, of poor Quaker
parents, he had tried many occupations, and had succeeded in
none. Within two years he had become an intellectual leader of
the American Revolution. Beginning his literary career with an
attack on slavery, he continued it in 1776 by publishing his
pamphlet "Common Sense," which gave an electric inspiration to
the cause of separation and republicanism among the colonists.
After serving the new commonwealth in office and with his pen,
he went to France on an official mission in 1781; then
returned to his native England, intent on furthering his
views. In 1793 Paine wrote the first part of "The Age of
Reason," which aroused a storm of indignation, but undaunted,
he added a second and a third part to the work, consisting
mostly of amplifications of some of the contentions advanced
in the first part, in the writing of which Paine had no Bible
to consult. The book, the first part of which was published in
1794, the second part in 1795, and the third in 1801, is an
exposition of Deism on a purely scientific basis; the visible
creation was everything to Paine in his reasonings, the
religious hopes, fears and aspirations of men were nothing at
all--this universal human phenomenon was curtly dismissed by
him as a universal human delusion. Many of his comments on the
Bible were rather crude anticipations of the modern Higher
Criticism. But in dealing with the Bible, Paine showed the
animus of a prosecuting counsel rather than the impartiality
of a judge. His stormy life ended on July 8, 1809. (See also
ECONOMICS, Vol. XIV.)

_I.--REVEALED RELIGION_

It has been my intention, for several years past, to publish my thoughts
upon religion. As several of my colleagues, and others of my fellow
citizens of France, have given me the example of making their voluntary
and individual profession of faith, I also will make mine; and I do this
with all that sincerity and frankness with which the mind of man
communicates with itself.

I believe in one God, and no more; and I hope for h