Ethan Allen Quotes

"In those parts of the world where learning and science have prevailed, miracles have ceased; but in those parts of it as are barbarous and ignorant, miracles are still in vogue."
[Allen, Ethan; Reason the Only Oracle of Man, pamphlet, 1784]

"I have generally been denominated a Deist, the reality of which I never disputed, being conscious I am no Christian, except mere infant baptism makes me one; and as to being a Deist, I know not strictly speaking, whether I am one or not."
[Ethan Allen, preface, "Reason the Only Oracle of Man"]

"While we are under the tyranny of Priests [...] it will ever be their interest, to invalidate the law of nature and reason, in order to establish systems incompatible therewith."
[Ethan Allen, "Reason the Only Oracle of Man"]

"There is not any thing, which has contributed so much to delude mankind in religious matters, as mistaken apprehensions concerning supernatural inspiration or revelation; not considering that all true religion originates from reason, and can not otherwise be understood, but by the exercise and improvement of it."
[Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary Hero _Reason, The Only Oracle of Man_]

"Those who invalidate reason ought seriously to consider whether they argue against reason with or without reason; if with reason, then they establish the principles that they are laboring to dethrone: but if they argue without reason (which, in order to be consistent with themselves they must do), they are out of reach of rational conviction, nor do they deserve a rational argument."
[Ethan Allen]

"Waiting, are they? Waiting, are they? Well, goddam 'em, let 'em wait!"
[Ethan Allen, to his physician who said "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you", quoted in Saturday Review, April 5, 1958]

Reason the Only Oracle of Man or a Compendious System of Natural Religion (1784)