Franklin;--the man who, while in England, strove with all his might, and
in the depth of guile, to make the Earl of Chatham, and all the great
orators of opposition, believe that the wish was furthest from his
thought;--that he earnestly desired to preserve the connexion of the
colonies with his "dear old mother country." While at the same time,
however, that American writers attribute the origin of the grand idea to
Benjamin Franklin, they admit that it was the pen of an English writer
that rendered the most effective service in this particular--a pen
that was wielded by the infidel, Thomas Paine! Originally a Quaker and
stay-maker in Norfolk, Paine first made himself known as a political
writer by the publication of a pamphlet. This pamphlet recommended
him to the notice of Franklin, who advised the poor author to try
his fortune in America, now affording a wide field for the talents of
adventurers. Paine accordingly settled at Philadelphia in 1774, where
he became first a contributor to newspapers and periodicals, and then
editor of the "Philadelphia Magazine." By this time the public mind had
been prepared by various productions issued from the press, to entertain
thoughts of independence. Paine turned his wit to this subject, and in
1776 he brought out his famous pamphlet, called "Common Sense," which
contained bolder sentiments than any written by all the other various
pamphleteers. His production met with unparalleled success. Copies were
distributed throughout the colonies, and "Common Sense" became literally
the study of the whole American world. It was even read, admired, and
eulogised in England by men of sense and talent: Burke calls it
"that celebrated pamphlet which prepared the minds of the people for
independence." Its chief merit, however, seems to have consisted
in rough, sarcastic wit, which was well calculated to flatter the
prejudices as well as to inflame the resentment of the American people.
The effects it produced were wonderful. Multitudes were brought over by
it to the cause of independence, who but a few months before would have
regarded the proposition with abhorrence. As for the writer he at once
gained by it the topmost pinnacle of the temple of popularity. The
legislature of Pennsylvania voted him L500; the university of the same
province conferred on him the degree of Master of Arts; he was elected
member of the American Philosophical Society, founded by Franklin; and
he was subsequently