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PREFACE.

"The Wisdom and Goodness of God, in having made both Rich and Poor; with an Appendix, containing Reflections on the present state of England and France."

The error contained in the title of this Sermon, determined me to publish my Agrarian Justice. It is wrong to say that God made Rich and Poor; he made only Male and Female; and he gave them the earth for their inheritance. . . .

Instead of preaching to encourage one part of mankind in insolence . . . it would be better that Priests employed their time to render the general condition of man less miserable than it is. Practical religion consists in doing good; and the only way of serving God is, that of endeavouring to make his creation happy. All preaching that has not this for its object, is nonsense and hypocrisy.

thomas paine.

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