Christian Cyclopedia

(1737–1809). Pol. philos., and writer; freethinker*; inventor of an iron bridge; b. Thetford, Norfolk, Eng.; to Am. 1774; took part in Am. Revolution; to Eur. 1787; involved in Fr. Revolution (see France, 5); returned to Am. 1802. Foe of Christianity. Pioneer opponent of slavery; agitator for emancipation of women. Works include The Rights of Man; The Age of Reason; Crisis (which begins: “These are the times that try men's souls.” See also Deism, V.