Thomas Paine: “This species of imaginary consequence has visibly declined in every part of Europe, and it hastens to its exit as the…”

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

Why may we not suppose, that the great Father of all is pleased with variety of devotion; and that the greatest offence we can act, is that by which we seek to torment and render each other miserable?

Reason and discussion, persuasion and conviction, become the weapons in the contest, and it is only when those are attempted to be suppressed that recourse is had to violence.

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.