The Jesuits: a Complete History of Their Open and Secret Proceedings From the Foundation of the Order to the Present Time

PREFACE
There is a structure in the world, to the completion of which every thinking man is bound to lend his assistance, I mean the fabric of intellectual light and spiritual freedom, without which real and material liberty cannot be at,tained. Providence has given to some few the power of contributing a corner-stone, or even an entire pillar, to this building, and those few are the “ Spiritual Knights ” of whom Heine sings.
But even when to the remainder this power is wanting, are they on that account to lay their hands on their lap and totally refrain from labour, when, perhaps, they might be in a position to pass on towards this erection the mortar and small stones ? I say “ No “;
and upon this “ No ” have I completed the “ History of the Jesuits.” May this book contribute a little, if not to the stripping-off of the fetters of superstition and spiritual thraldrom in which so many hundred housands are still bound, at all events to the loosening of them and to the preparation for casting them aside, More I do not expect.