Letter From Thomas Paine to Elihu Palmer

Thomas Paine

Below is a letter from Thomas Paine to his fellow Deist Elihu Palmer. The letter is about Palmer's important Deism book Principles of Nature. Paine's letter makes it clear that it's important for Deists to be direct and not to pull any punches when dealing with the harmful and irrational "revealed" religions.

To Elihu Palmer

February 21, 1802

I received, by Mr. Livingston, the letter you wrote me, and the excellent work you have published. I see you have thought deeply on the subject, and expressed your thoughts in a strong and clear style. The hinting and intimating manner of writing that was formerly used on subjects of this kind, produced skepticism, but not conviction. It is necessary to be bold. Some people can be reasoned into sense, and others must be shocked into it. Say a bold thing that will stagger them, and they will begin to think. There is an intimate friend of mine, Colonel Joseph Kirkbride of Bordentown, New Jersey, to whom I would wish you to send your work. He is an excellent man, and perfectly in our sentiments. You can send it by the stage that goes partly by land and partly by water, between New York and Philadelphia, and passes through Bordentown.