I thought so

After Payne wrote the Age Of reason he went to France an helped out in that revolution. After returning to the US I didn't follow him, but I read he died and was buried in an unmarked grave up north somewhere a lonely man. I didn't need proof because it didn't concern me that much. He was considered an atheist by many.

Personally I feld the same inspiration in Payne's writing as I did Napoleon's and the Apostle Paul's. And, I personally believe Napoleon had some kind of conversion before his death. I see many similiarities in his disortation to Gen. bertrand as Paul's confession of faith to Agrippa. Certainly they all touched a higher source of inspiration than you read today.
And I agree with you about it being typical of Payne not seeking the glory of his document which I agree was his. Much like the book of Hebrews was attributed to the Apostle Paul.
However, I don't believe your beliefs are similar to Paynes. He never came out against Jesus Christ as you have done, and do. And, your expirience is not anything like the Apostle Pauls, because when he was passing through the upper coast of Ephesus he saw a sign to the unknown god. Paul said that was the God he wanted to declare to them. You've missed Him somewhere, Vince. Payne did also. At least I never read of any conversion he had and I never read anything he ever did about Jesus. I don't believe he ever wrote anything denying His existance.
Louis
Louis