Dr.. FrQaklm and Inos: Paine.
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When Paine was writing his infamous at
tacks on the Christian Religion, he submit
ted part of his manuscript to Dr.. Franklin
for his inspection and opinion. The follow
ing is the answer OF that great Philosopher
and Patriot =


Dear Sir-I have read your manuscript
with some attention. BY the argument it
contains against a particular Providence,
though YOU allow general Providence, YOU
strike at the foundation of all Religion. For
without the belief Of a Providence that takes
coguizance OF, guards and guides, and fa-
vonrs particular persons, there is no motive
to worship Deity, to fear its dispeasure, or
to pray for its protection. ] will not enter
into anv discussion of our principles, though
ou seen to desire it. At present shall on
| " give YOU my opinion, that, though your
reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with
some readers. YOU will not succeed so as to
change the general sentiments OF mankind
on that subject, and the consequence of
your printing this piece, will be, great
deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mis-
chief to YOU, and no good to others. lie
| that spits against the wind spits in his own
face. But were Won to succeed, do YOU i'm
aginc any good will be done by it, You your
/
without the assistance afforded by religion (;
YOU hive a clear conception Of the advanta-
yes Of virtue, aud the disadvantages of vice,
and possess strength ofresolution sufficient
to enable YOU to resist common temptations.


But think how great portion of mankind
consists of weak and ignorant men and wo-
men, 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 until it becomes h06HN-
al, which is the great ponit of its security;
and perhaps Won are indebted to her origi-
nally, that is, to vnnr religious education, for
the habits Of virtue upon which YOU now
Justly value yourself-You might easily dis
, play vour excellent talents of reasoning up
on less hazardous SUBJECT, and thereby OBJ
tain rant; with our most distinguished au-
| thors.--ifor amongst vs. it is not necessary,
as among the Hotteutots, that youth to be
raised into the company of men, should prove
Ills manhood by beating his mother.
would advise you therefore, not to attempt
nnchainng the tiger, but to burn this piece
before il is seen by any other person, where
bv you will save yourselfa great deal of NOR
tication from the enemies it may raise a
gainst yon, and perhaps a good deal of regret
and repentance. If men are so wicked 7vnh
Rcllgi1A, what would they BE if zvithout IL?
intend this letter as "A hroqf of my friend
Ship, and therefore add no hrofrSsion to it
but simply subscribe yours,


b. FRANKLIN.