he was welcomed as a friend of the human race and as a champion of free
government.

He had never relinquished his intention of pointing out to his
countrymen the defects, absurdities, and abuse of the English
government. For this purpose; he composed and published his greatest
political work. "The Rights of Man." This work should be read by every
man and woman. It is concise, accurate, rational, convincing, and
unanswerable. It shows great thought, an intimate knowledge of the
various forms of government, deep insight into the very springs of human
action, and a courage that compels respect and admiration. The most
difficult political problems are solved in a few sentences. The
venerable arguments in favor of wrong are refuted with a question--
answered with a word. For forcible illustration, apt comparison,
accuracy and clearness of statement, and absolute thoroughness, it has
never been excelled.

The fears of the administration were aroused, and Paine was prosecuted
for libel, and found guilty; and yet there is not a sentiment in the
entire work that will not challenge the admiration of every civilized
man. It is a magazine of political wisdom, an arsenal of ideas, and an
honor not only to Thomas Paine, but to nature itself. It could have
been written only by the man who had the generosity, the exalted
patriotism, the goodness to say: "The world is my country, and to do
good my religion."

There is in all the utterances of the world no grander, no sublimer
sentiment. There is no creed that can be compared with it for a moment.
It should be wrought in gold, adorned with jewels, and impressed upon
every human heart: "The world is my country, and to do good my