Published by the Thomas Paine National Historic Association
The tone of this letter seems to be very cordial and typical Benjamin Franklin! He expressed his high regards for Thomas Paine!
"A Conjecture, not a Fact yet“
[Cravenstreet, (London) Dec. 13. 1757]
Dear Sir I have read your Manuscrit with some
Attention. By the Arguments it contains
against the Doctrine of a particular Providence,
tho’ you allow a general Providence, you strike
at the Foundation of all Religion: For without
the Belief of a Providence that takes
Cognizance of, guards and guides and may
favour particular Persons, there is no Motive to
Worship a Deity, to fear its Displeasure, or to
pray for its Protection. I will not enter into any
Discussion of your Principles, tho’ you seem to
desire it; At present I shall only give you my
Opinion that tho’ 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 printing this Piece will be
a great deal of Odium drawn upon your self,
Mischief to you and no Benefit to others. ....
You might easily display your excellent Talents
of reasoning on a less hazardous Subject, and
thereby obtain Rank with our most
distinguish’d Authors.....I would advise you
therefore not to attempt unchaining the Tyger,
but to burn this Piece before it is seen by any
other Person, whereby you will save yourself a
great deal of Mortification from the Enemies it
may raise against you, and perhaps a good
deal of Regret and Repentance. If Men are so
wicked as we now see them with Religion what
would they be if without it? I intend this Letter
itself as a Proof of my Friendship and therefore
add no Professions of it, but subscribe simply
Yours B.F. [Benjamin Franklin]
Endorsed: Rough of Letter dissuading ——
from publishing his Piece.”
[From the Franklin Papers at Yale]"
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