There is but one form of human enslavement more villainous and more detestable than the chains of the tyrant or the shackles of the despot, and that is the enslavement of the human mind under ecclesiastical tyranny, whose cowering and crouching victims at the crack of the priestly lash are driven from the cultivation of their own intelligence, from the custody of their own thoughts, from the guardianship of their own souls, and who, like whipt dogs, trembling and whining in abject submission at the feet of the oppressor, lick the very hand that wields the lash. I’m well aware what a thankless task it is to attack the established order of things, theological, political or ethical, for in my long life I have often heard raised the old cry in different form: Great is Diana of the Ephesians! but I make no excuse or apology for my little book.
If it shall turn a single man or woman away from the old path of Superstition, for so many centuries beaten hard and smooth by the tread of millions of poor tired human feet pressing forward in the dust of outworn ecclesiastical “props” that line the way in search of something they never can find, I will be satisfied.
I owe this dear country something for my enjoyment all these years of the priceless privilege of liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and this be my gift to my countrymen, for I set no copyright upon it; it belongs to anybody who can use it, and if the clerics, theologs, sacerdotes, et id omne genus, can’t bless it – which I should hardly expect, let them use it as a remedy for torpid liver and heartily curse it.
I have only one favor to ask of any man or woman who may pick it up, and that is: Read it through before you pass judgment upon it.
I’m entitled to that much consideration anyway. If monarchs only had the time to read the petitions tremblingly handed up to them, there would be more justice done in the world.
–Ingersoll Lockwood
Om författaren
Ingersoll Lockwood was born at Ossining, New York, in August 1841 to a well-known legal family. His father, Munson Lockwood, was a brigadier general in the New York State Militia, a lawyer, and also went on to hold the position of Warden at the famous Sing Sing prison. Both of Ingersoll’s uncles, Ralph and Albert Lockwood, were also attorneys. Ingersoll was trained in the law, but before establishing a practice, he was appointed Consul to the Kingdom of Hanover by the Lincoln Administration – becoming the youngest member of a U.S. delegation. After his federal service, Ingersoll came back to New York City where he established a successful firm with his brother Henry. In addition to his legal work, Ingersoll began a writing career, which included political essays, fiction and poetry. His most successful works were his children’s novels surrounding the character of Baron Trump. He retired to Saratoga Springs New York where he continued to write, publishing his last book of poetry five years before his death in 1918.
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