The most extraordinary of all ...

The most extraordinary of all the things called miracles, related in the New Testament, is that of the devil flying away with Jesus Christ, and carrying him to the top of a high mountain; and to the top of the highest pinnacle of the temple, and showing him and promising to him all the kingdoms of the world . How happened it that he did not discover America? or is it only with kingdoms that his sooty highness has any interest.
The most extraordinary of all the things called miracles, related in the New Testament, is that of the devil flying away with Jesus Christ, and carrying him to the top of a high mountain; and to the top of the highest pinnacle of the temple, and showing him and promising to him all the kingdoms of the world . How happened it that he did not discover America? or is it only with kingdoms that his sooty highness has any interest.
 Thomas Paine

Quotes from the same author

A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.
 See image
 Thomas Paine
The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
 See image
 Thomas Paine
The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason.
 See image
 Thomas Paine
Arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe and preserve order.
 See image
 Thomas Paine
The balance of power is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world not destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside ... Horrid mischief would ensue were one half the world deprived of the use of them ... the weak will become prey to the strong.
 See image
 Thomas Paine