I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace. – Thomas Paine
All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. – Thomas Paine
Every religion is good that teaches man to be good and I know of none that instructs him to be bad. – Thomas Paine
What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue. – Thomas Paine
To prevent beer from being turned by thunder.— Having ascertained that it is perfectly good, draw off entirely in pint pots; then having collected an equal number of railway navigators, distribute accordingly. This will answer in the hottest summer. – “Advice Gratis,” The World of Wit and Humour edited by George Manville Fenn, 187