that it is a divine institution. Do
you think that Paine was a drunken beast when he wrote "Common Sense,"
a pamphlet that aroused three millions of people, as people were never
aroused by words before? Was he a drunken beast when he wrote the
"Crisis?" Was it to a drunken beast that the following letter was
addressed:

"Rocky Hill, September 10, 1783.--I have learned, since I have been at
this place, that you are at Bordentown. Whether for the sake of
retirement or economy, I know not. Be it for either, or both, or
whatever it may, if you will come to this place and partake with me, I
shall be exceedingly happy to see you at it. Your presence may remind
Congress of your past services to this country; and if it is in my
power to impress them, command my best exertions with freedom, as they
will be rendered cheerfully by one who entertains a lively sense of the
importance of your works, and who, with much pleasure, subscribes
himself your sincere friend.--George Washington"

Do you think that Paine was a drunken beast when the following letters
were received by him:

"You express a wish in your letter to return to America in a national
ship. Mr. Dawson, who brings over the treaty, and who will present you
with this letter, is charged with orders to the Captain of the Maryland
to receive and accommodate you back, if you can be ready to depart at
such a short warning. You will, in general, find us returned to
sentiments worthy of former times; in these it will be your glory to
have steadily labored, and with as much effect as any man living. That
you may live long to continue your useful labors, and reap the reward
in the thankfulness of nations, is my sincere prayer. Accept the
assurances of my high esteem and affectionate attachment.--Thomas
Jefferson"

"It has been very generally propagated through the continent that I
wrote the pamphlet "Common Sense." I could not have written anything
in so manly and striking a style.--John Adams"

"A few more such flaming arguments as were exhibited at Falmouth and
Norfolk, added to the sound doctrine and unanswerable reasoning
contained in the pamphlet "Common Sense," will not leave numbers at a
loss to decide on the propriety of a separation.--George Washington"

"It is not necessary for me to tell you how much all your countrymen--I
speak of the great mass of the people--are interested in your welfare.
They have not forgotten the history of their own