THE
LIFE OF PHILIP PARSON.
I WAS born in the neighbourhood of Birmingham, and was put to the Button trade. During my apprenticeship I was very steady and sober, and gave great satisfaction to my master, who often told me he meant to assist me in setting out in life, as a reward for my good conduct. These good beginnings were very pleasant to my parents, who always gave me good advice, and were very desirous to promote my welfare. After the expiration of my apprenticeship, I wrought for some time as a journeyman; when, having more money at my disposal, I began to frequent a public house, where it was customary for a considerable number of mechanics to meet every evening, to read the newspapers, "Paine’s Rights ⟨of⟩ Man," and other publications of a similar nature.
In process of time, those who were first converted to Paine’s political opinions, introduced ⟨his⟩ "Age of Reason." At first, I had some objections to hear it read, but they were soon overruled; and, I am sorry to say, I became as ⟨great⟩ an admirer of his religious as of his ⟨political⟩ scheme.
I was not at the pains to examine my Bible, ⟨but⟩ took for granted all that he said. Indeed, I ⟨was⟩ sometimes afraid lest Christianity should be true
