n.

Mr. Paine says, in Crisis, ii, to Lord Howe: "How many you have thus
privately sacrificed we know not, and the account can only be settled in
another world." And in Crisis, v, to the same man, he says: "You may,
perhaps, be unwilling to be serious, but this destruction of the goods
of Providence, this havoc of the human race, and this sowing the world
with mischief, must be accounted for to him who made and governs it."

But I will give a positive affirmation of the fact. In the Age of
Reason, near the close of the Second Part, he says: "The existence of an
Almighty power is sufficiently demonstrated to us.... We must know,
also, that the power that called us into being can, if he pleases, and
when he pleases, call us to account for the manner in which we have
lived here; and therefore, without seeking any other motive for the
belief, it is rational to believe that he will, for we know beforehand
that he can.... The probability that we may be called to account
hereafter, will, to a reflecting mind, have the influence of belief; for
it is not our belief or unbelief that can make or unmake the fact. As
this is the state we are in, and which it is proper we should be in, as
free agents, it is the fool only, and not the philosopher or even the
prudent man, that would live as if there were no God."

* * * * *

Religiously, he can quite properly be classed with Theodore Parker. He
stands close at his side, and, having preceded him, a shoulder higher.
Yet, in this regard, Mr. Parker treats him with contempt.

* * * * *

The reader will be pleased to read the following letters; the one from
Horace Seaver to Mr. Parker, and the reply:

_Boston_, January 11, 1843.

REV. AND DEAR SIR:--As chairman of the committee of arrangement
for the celebration of Thomas Paine's birth-day in this city, on
the 30th instant, I am instructed to perform the highly pleasing
duty of soliciting the honor of your company at the dinner; and to
say to you in addition, that it would give the committee great
pleasure, as well as many others of your personal friends, if your
health and time will allow you to comply with this invitation.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HORACE SEAVER.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

_West Rox