Essays · Chapter
Author's English Preface explained
Paine explains the origin of 'Agrarian Justice,' written in 1795-96, and his decision to publish it in response to a sermon by Bishop Watson that claims God made rich and poor.
What happens
Paine explains the origin of 'Agrarian Justice,' written in 1795-96, and his decision to publish it in response to a sermon by Bishop Watson that claims God made rich and poor. Paine argues that God made only male and female, giving the earth to all, and that true religion consists in doing good to improve the human condition.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the narrator confronts the stark, visceral horror of civiliza…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Economic Justice and Agrarian Reform
Paine directly challenges the notion that God ordained poverty and wealth, arguing for equal inheritance of the earth.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Paine
Author of the preface and 'Agrarian Justice'; responds to Bishop Watson's sermon.
Key passages
“It is wrong to say God made rich and poor; he made only male and female; and he gave them the earth for their inheritance.”
Paine rejects the idea that God created economic inequality, asserting that God created humanity as equals and granted the earth to all.
Core argument against Bishop Watson's sermon and justification for agrarian reform.
“Practical religion consists in doing good: and the only way of serving God is, that of endeavouring to make his creation happy.”
True religious practice is about benevolent action and improving human welfare, not empty preaching.
Paine's definition of authentic religion as social justice.
