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 government.
From his work "Rights of Man," Paine explains why he has avoided discussing religion at length, attributing political motives to the British ministry.
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I do not believe that any two men, on what are called doctrinal points, think alike who think at all.
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.
As to what are called national religions, we may, with as much propriety, talk of national Gods.
I have no idea, considering the reforms which are now passing and spreading throughout Europe, that England will permit herself to be the last; and where the occasion and the opportunity quietly offer, it is better than to wait for a…