Connecticut western news., 1875-02-26

temporaries, and extending from an early period Tn his career until its end, in 1909, are at all reliable. The record of its facts, aside from that of his important political services to our cause during the Revolu- tionsry war, is most repulsive one to any right.minded man.
 How did he meet the last enemy and cross the dividing line between time and that eternity where his deathless spirit now abides? We have answers to this import ant inquiry which his disciples would be but too glad to suppress or invalidate.
 Whyp Because the facts they embody respecting Mr. Paine 6 death bed utterances admit of but one solution, viz. That he had then the most terrible misgivings as to lis infidel opinions and publications. The statements made on this subject by Dr.. Man!ey, his kind attending physician; hg his nurse, ia woman of sense and piety;" and particularly by stephen Grellet, the eminent Quaker philanthropist, harmo- niously unite to establish this conclusion. Our space permits but mere reference to these testimonies. But we will quote here Q paragraph or two from Dr. Manley's let. tor to Chea,ham, written in September, 1909. Paine died the June previous.
 "He would not be left alone," says the doctor, might or day, and if so would scream or hallo until some person came tc him. During his paroxysms of distress he would cry out, Q. Lord, help me! Jesus Christ, help me ? repeating the same ex pressions without variation, and in tone of voice that would alarm the house." Il was remarkable providence that bis last attendants. and those most regardful of hil comfort, were persons of unshaken relig ious principles-as. for instance, Mrs. He'd den, his nurse, and Mary Roscoe, Friend The former read the Bible ut his bedside and, touched, by his frequent and distress | ing cries, told the wrctched man that if h, would throw himself on the mercy o Christ he would find relief. When asked by his physician If hts calls upon Jesus I'm piled belief in His Divinity, or a rssh tt ] believe in Him as the Son of God, adding hat he could live but few hours longer MT. Paine, after e pause, replied, Il have no desire to believe on that subject" H. died forty eight hours after. Dr. Manle, records his opinion that if Paine had beer less distinguished skeptic he would have acknowledged his error. Once, when tho excellent young Quakeress was there tx take him some refreshments suitable for ar invalid, three of his deistical associates came to the door, and, In loud, unfeelinl manner, said: "Tom Paine, 1t is said yol are turning Christian, but we hope yo, will die as you have lived" and then wen away. On which, turning to her, he said "You see what miserable comforters they are" Once he asked her if she had eve read any of his writings, and being tolt that she had read very little of them, h. inquired what she thought of them, add ing, "From such one as you, I expect [ true answer" She told him when very young his 'Age of Reason" was put in hel hands, but that the more she read of 1t tho more dark and distressed she felt. and shs threw 1t into the fire. "I soish Gu had don. as you." he replied "Jor # the deUsa eye, bad Gn agency, in Gny ao0rt, he has had q in my sotTtSng that book" The same un- impeachable witness saw him soriting muct during his last illness. His infidel friends | never published 1t and why not, if favor able to their canse? ..,,... .-