Thomas Paine, the Apostle of Liberty An Address Delivered in Chicago, January 29, 1916; Including the Testimony of Five Hundred Witnesses

"Thomas Paine, the Apostle of Liberty" by John E. Remsburg is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text serves as both a tribute and defense of Thomas Paine, a revolutionary figure instrumental in shaping the principles of liberty and independence in America and France. It highlights Paine's crucial role in advocating for American independence through his writings, particularly "Common Sense," and his subsequent influence during the French Revolution. The opening of the work sets the context for a celebration of Thomas Paine's legacy, framing him as a misunderstood hero of liberty. It discusses his early life, transitional journey to America, and the profound impact of his writings on the American Revolution. Remsburg emphasizes Paine's unwavering commitment to liberty, characterizing him as a martyr for the ideals he championed, and delves into the challenges he faced, including persecution and misrepresentation. The text introduces Paine's philosophy and moral fortitude, foreshadowing a detailed exploration of his contributions and the injustices he endured, positioning him as a key figure in the pursuit of human rights and social justice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Eleazer Remsburg was an ardent religious skeptic in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In his book 1909 book The Christ, Remsburg lists forty-two ancient writers who did not mention Jesus or whose mentions are suspect, and this list has appeared in many subsequent books that question the historicity of Jesus. Remsburg himself wrote that the man Jesus may have existed, but that the Christ of the gospels is mythical.