Thomas Paine: “Those days are now past: deception, it is to be hoped, has reaped its last harvest, and better times are in prospect for…”

When men unite in agreeing that a thing is good, could it be obtained, such for instance as relief from a burden of taxes and the extinction of corruption, the object is more than half accomplished.

In those which proceed from the former cause, the temper becomes incensed and soured; and the redress, obtained by danger, is too often sullied by revenge.

As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.

But as religion is very improperly made a political machine, and the reality of it is thereby destroyed, I will conclude this work with stating in what light religion appears to me.