Thomas Paine: “Ignorance is of a peculiar nature: once dispelled, it is impossible to re-establish it.”

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.

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

I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.

I have carefully avoided to enlarge upon the subject, because I am inclined to believe that what is called the present ministry, wish to see contentions about religion kept up, to prevent the nation turning its attention to subjects of…