Page:History of the devil, ancient and modern (3).pdf/24

 hending and bringing him to punishment, he instantly absconded to America, where he was a principal agent in stirring up those colonies to rebellion against that King whom he had solemnly sworn to defend; and that nation whose laws he so flagrantly violated. Nor did he continue long there undetected; for being appointed under secretary to Congress, and being acquainted with all their secrets, he was soon found out holding communications incompatible with the interests of the states; but, as Paine's bad character was known, the British paid no attention to it; however he was ignominiously turned out, and no reason assigned. The State of Pensylvania, who thought Congress had done it in spleen, made him their Secretary; where he continnedcontinued [sic], till with drunkenness and other crimes he rendered himself so obnoxious that they turned him out also; and was so despised, so ragged and ly, that the inhabitants of Philadelphia, to rid themselves of a pest, raised a subscription to clothe and send him to London No sooner was he come to London than he applied to Mr. Horne Tooke, who was well acquainted with his abilities and inclination to stir up mischief, and equally bent on the same, they set to work on that Proteus of delusion, the Rights of Man, so calculated to mislead the unthinking, and to stir up the flame of discontent among those who are so ambitious that they can see none above them; but however ardently the Devil and them wished to bring about their horrid plans, they were all thwarted—Paine now rots in a jail in France; Horne Tooke, a minister of the Prince of Peace, for being guilty of treason, has got his reward; and the Devil, who has left them in the lurch, is only sorry he could not bring about more mischief. Now, thank God, the people of Britain see that the plans of these their pretended friends would have worked their ruin, and rejoice that they are detected and brought to that fate they expected to have brought all the Powers that are. Thus once more the Devil is completely foiled.