Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-06-01
THE GAZETTE.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE l, 1859.
DIR. FRANKLIN AND THOMAS PAINE.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, JUNE !, 1859.
DIR. FRANKLIN AND THOMAS PAINE.
When Paine was writing his attacks on
the Christian religion, he submitted a part
Of his manuscript to DR.. Franklin for his
inspection and opinion. The following is
the answer of that great philosopher and
patriot:
DEAR SIR: have read your manuscript
with some attention. By the argument it
contains against q particular Providence,
though you allow a general Providence, you
strike at the foundation Of all religion
For without the belief of a Providence that
takes cognizance of, guards, and guides, and
favors particular persons, there is no motive
to worship a Deity, to fear its displeasure, or
to pray for it's protection. Twill not enter
into any discussion of your principles, though
you seem to desire it. At present l shall
only give you my opinion, that, though your
reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with
som readers, you will not succeed 80 as to
change the general sentiments Of mankind
on that subject, and the consequence of print
ing this piece will be a great deal of odium
drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and
no benefit to others. He that splits against
the wind spitsi in his own face. But were
you to succeed, do you imagine any good
will be done by it? You yourself may find
it easy to live a ~virtuous life without the as
~sistance afforded by religion; you have a
clear perception of the advantages Of virtue,
and the disadvantages of vice. and possess a
strength of resolution sufficient to enable
you to resist common temptations. But
think how great q portion of mankind con-
sists of weak and ignorant men and women,
and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth,
Of both sexes, who have need of the motives
of religion to restrain them from vice, to
support their virtue, and retain them in the
practice of it till it becomes habitual, which
is the great point for its security. And
perhaps you are indebted to her originally
that is for your religious education-for the
habits of virtue upon which you now justly
value yourself. You might easily display
yonr excellent talents of reasoning upon n
less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain o
rank with our most distinguished authors;
for among US it is not necessary, as among
the H~ottentots, that a youth, to be raised
into the company of men, should prove his
manhood by beating his mother. | would
advise you, therefore, not to attempt un-
claiming the tiger, but to burn this piece be-
fore it is seen by any other person, whereby
you will save yourself q great deal of NORTH
cation from the enemies it may raise against
you, and, perhaps, a good deal of regret and
repentance. lfmen are so wicked mGh reii-
gion, what would they be without III |
intend this letter itselfas a proof ofmy friend
ship, and therefore add no profession to
it, but simply subscribe, yours;
DR.. DUFr's RECOILECTIoSS OF Gen. HAVE
LOCK- knew him personally, having been
privileged to make his acquaintance many
years ago, under the hospitable roof of the
late revered DIR. Marshman, of Serampere,
whose son-in-law he was. Somewhat stern
andreserved he was in manner yet yon could
not be long in his presence without finding
that he was q mar who feared God, and that,
fearing God, he feared naught else besides.
1t was this holy, reverential fear Of God that
was the real source of his u%ndaunted courage
in the discharge Of duty, at whatever peril to
life or fortune. His, in this respect, was the
genuine spirit of the old English Puritan,
the very spirit of Oliver Cromwell and his
eompeers. And the tendency was to turn
the British soldiers, under his exclu-
sive moulding, into q phalsx of modern
Ironsides. He was the first of our generals
who distinctly recognised the hand of God
in his surprising victories over the mighty
hosts of rebel muntineers. Blythe blessing
of God, / have captured Cawnpore.' were the
first words of his memorable Geographic des-
patch from that scene of one of the strangest
and bloodiest tragedies ever enacted on the
stage of time. Faithful ss a patriot war
rior to his earthly sovereign, he lived to
receive from her gracious Majesty a first in
stalment Of honor and reward, and to hear
how a grateful country had hailed his SER
vices with unbounded admiration and ap-
plause. But faithful, also, as a soldier of the
Cross, to his Sovereign in the skies, he has
now gone to receive a far greater honor, and
inherit a vastly nobler recompense ofreward.
Hehas gone, ripe in grace. to fructity in glory!
What a transition! From the confused noise
of battle to the hallelujahs of angels! From
garments rolled in blood to the pure white
robes of the redeemed in Immanuel's land!"
PARLIAMENTARY INsULTs.-Punch says of
insults in the House of Commons-"lt is
strange that the gentleman who is the very
last whose feelings the honorable member
would wish to Offend" happens to be the
very first whose feelings are offended.
AN IMPERIAL "HuA."-Among the last
- A. \ ED,ornoc