Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Odessa Paige Turner and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Transcribers Note: Original Text in bold is represented by "=", italic text by "_". In paragraph XII, line 4 "myraids" has been replaced by "myriads". "THE TYRANNY of GOD" By JOSEPH LEWIS The new and daring book on the Philosophy of Atheism CLARENCE DARROW =eminent lawyer, noted philosopher, and humanitarian, says=: "Your book, 'The Tyranny of God,' is well done. It is a very clear statement of the question, bold and true beyond dispute. I am glad that you wrote it. It is as plain as the multiplication table, which doesn't mean that everyone will believe it. I thank you for writing it. I wish I were the author." [Illustration: JOSEPH LEWIS] _A special edition of "The Tyranny of God," consists of two hundred and fifty copies, printed on Utopian paper, bound in limp leather, gilt top, stamped in gold. Each copy is autographed and numbered by the author._ Second edition, May, 1921 Third edition, April, 1922 Fourth edition, January, 1928 Fifth edition, April, 1930 Sixth edition, October, 1939 Seventh edition, November, 1943 THE TYRANNY OF GOD THE TYRANNY OF GOD BY JOSEPH LEWIS THE FREETHOUGHT PRESS ASSOCIATION NEW YORK COPYRIGHTED, 1921, BY FREETHOUGHT PRESS ASSOCIATION _All Rights Reserved_ PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEDICATED TO FAY MY DEAR WIFE AND COMRADE, WHOSE LOYAL AND DEVOTED COMPANIONSHIP HAS MADE LIFE LIVABLE. FOREWORD Go forth, little book, to destroy fear, prejudice and superstition, and help to install Reason in the minds of the human race to be its guide in the affairs of life and its living. PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION The most eloquent testimony given this little book is the fact that a second edition is made necessary only a few months after the publication of the first edition. Favorable comments and letters of recommendation from men and women eminent in literary and scientific realms, and commendatory reviews in periodicals of high standard are, I think, sufficient cause for the belief that "The Tyranny of God" forms a necessary cog in the machinery of intellectual thought and progress. Even those who bitterly oppose the book admit that it possesses the power to make its readers think. Of the many opposing reviews and adverse criticism of "The Tyranny of God," not a single one offers an argument in answer to it. For the most part, their characterization has been that it is "pessimistic." As if by calling it "pessimistic," they refute its claims!