ur policy was telling.
Borrowing a metaphor from Carlyle's "Frederick," I likened Superstition
to the boa, which defies all ponderous assaults, and will not yield to
the pounding of sledge-hammers, but sinks dead when some expert thrusts
in a needle's point and punctures the spinal column.

I had a further incentive. Mr. Bradlaugh's infamous treatment by the
bigots had revolutionised my ideas of Freethought policy. Although never
timid, I was until then practically ignorant of the horrible spirit of
persecution; and with the generous enthusiasm of youth I fondly imagined
that the period of combat was ended, that the liberty of platform and
press was finally won, that Supernaturalism was hopelessly scotched
although obviously not slain, and that Freethinkers should now devote
themselves to cultivating the fields they had won instead of raiding
into the enemy's territory. Alas for the illusions of hope! They were
rudely dispelled by a few "scenes" in the House of Commons, and barred
from all chance of re-gathering by the wild display of intolerance
outside. I saw, in quite another sense than Garth Wilkinson's, the
profound truth of his saying that--

"The Duke of Wellington's advice, Do not make a little war, is
applicable to internal conflicts against evil in society. For
little wars have no background of resources, they do not know
the strength of the enemy, and the peace that follows them for
the most part leaves the evil in dispute nearly its whole territory;
perhaps is purchased by guaranteeing the evil by treaty; and
leaves the case of offence more difficult of attack by reason
of concession to wrong premises."
("Human Science and Divine Revelation," Preface, p. vi.)

Yes, the war with Superstition must be fought _a outrance_. We must
decline either treaty or truce. I hold that the one great work of our
time is the destruction of theology, the immemorial enemy of mankind,
which has wasted in the chase of chimeras very much of the world's best
intellect, fatally perverted our moral sentiments, fomented discord
and division, supported all the tyranny of privilege and sanctioned all
debasement of the people. Far be it from me to argue this point with
any dissident. I prefer to leave him to the logic of events, which has
convinced me, and may some day convince him.

But to recur. Before the _Freethinker_ had reached its third number I
began to reflect on the advisability