Human history has known some people who were able to rule its flow due to their strong will, desire for changes, charisma, and strong sense of moral and civic duty. One of such men of genius was Thomas Paine, one of the Founding Fathers of the USA. To mention his other great services to his own country, let us refer to the Introduction to “Common Sense and Related Writings” by Slaughter who mentions that Paine “was a man of science, … a philosopher of religion as concerned with God’s realm as he was with human arenas, and a propagandist for political change” (1). It is worth mentioning that the work done by Slaughter is a profound study of the biography and personality of the revolutionary that enables us to make a multidimensional analysis of his legendary pamphlet, Common Sense. It is possible to single out the form of a sermon as a very convincing one and Biblical evidence that has proved to be very persuasive, especially in Section II that shows sinful origin of monarchy, necessity of independence and democracy as the only natural, reasonable and just form of government.
The contemporary topicality of Section II which criticizes monarchy and hereditary succession can be explained in the following way: Common Sense on the whole and Section II in particular explains the necessity of independence and democracy as the gift of Lord. It shows erroneous nature of monarchy, the form of government in Britain. It claims that democracy is the only just form of government as prescribed by the Bible: “In the early ages of world, according to the scripture chronology, there were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars” (Paine 79). Paine describes monarchy as “the most prosperous invention of the Devil” (Paine 79). The author stated that the Jews were deluded and yielded to temptation of the creation of monarchy that is considered one of their sins. Besides, the author criticizes hereditary succession of power since “descendants might be far too unworthy to inherit” honors (Paine 82).
Also, Paine presents evident criticism of the British monarchy, saying that “England since the conquest hath known some few good monarchs, but groaned beneath a much larger number of bad ones” (83). In the final part of the section, Paine gives a historical account of the bloody conquest for monarchy and succession. He mentions eight civil wars and numerous rebellions in the history of Britain as historical proof of the erroneous nature of monarchy.
On reading the pamphlet, it is possible to state that the form of a sermon is, evidently, the best possible form for such a document written in the name of the Revolution. Slaughter states that Paine’s “arguments couched in biblical authority carried greater weight with believers than those based on mere mortal authority” (34). The evidence taken from the Holy Bible is the reliable proof that is difficult to prejudice. Still, if today it can be questioned that the reference to the Bible can start a revolution, Section II shows the Bible as an unquestioned authority. The numerous references to the Bible can prompt a question if Paine was inspired by such views himself. On the basis of the first section of the pamphlet, it is possible to state that Paine’s views of the government were mainly secular. Thus, this section shows Pain’s gift of eloquence and ability to manipulate the mind of the majority with the help of the corresponding evidence.
Utilizing conclusion, it is necessary to state that Common Sense: And Related Writings gives a detailed portrait of Thomas Paine as an eloquent genius who was able to lead the masses. Common Sense can strengthen the contemporary authority of democracy.
Works Cited
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense: And Related Writings. Ed. Slaughter, Thomas P. Bedford/St. Martins, 2001.