In 1798 the first part of Thomas Paine's "Age of Reason" was put into his hands; and in the following year he made his first appearance as an author by publishing his "Remarks" on that work. The book was favourably received, and was republished in 1820. Drew had begun to meditate a greater attempt before he wrote his "Remarks on Paine"; and, encouraged by the antiquary John Whitaker, he published his "Essay on the Immateriality and Immortality of the Soul" in 1802.