Pawtucket Chronicle and Manufacturers’ and Artizans’ Advocate, 1 Feb. 1833, p. 2. Readex: America’s Historical Newspapers. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.
THOMAS PAINE. The religious disciples of this eminent but infatuated writer partook of a supper last Tuesday in commemoration of his birth day, in the city of Providence. Nothing can more beautifully evince the toleration of our laws, than this peaceable festival.
We have been falsely charged with infidelity; it is quite childish to arraign us on the score of unsteady principles. We do intend to exercise an untiring independence of thought which no earthly power shall eclipse or subdue. Bigotry may rail against or assault our character,—nay impeach our motives,—what do we care? We who have fortune to make or break both here and hereafter, detest aye detest the measures, which some believe can arrest the growth of our private prosperity or public reputation.
These private reflections have drawn us away from Thomas Paine, whose whole life presents a powerful example of the utter uselessness of great and splendid accomplishments without true virtue, that divinity which ensures inevitable and enduring success. His writings are full of splendor; his genius has extended its baneful influence among individuals who have embraced its unhappy doctrines, and sent its blasting beams into bosoms, which have turned away in horror from the song of inspiration. “Let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die.”—Let us answer in the name of humanity “filch not its guide from youth its shield from manhood, its crutch from age. Though the light I follow may lead me astray still I think it a light from heaven.”