page break

Explanation.

Many that know me have asked why I have chosen the nom de plume of "Torpedo I will explain:—I have done so because I thought the name apropos to the course of action I have laid out for myself in the future. It is this. I intend to attack with my pen, fearlessly and candidly, wherever I believe error to exist. I do not mean that I will attack the errors that are brought about by what I might think misdirected efforts or wrong-doings of any one personally; but errors of general belief, teaching, doctrine, law, &c., and while I do this I shall always carefully avoid, as far as lays in my power, writing anything bordering on abuse; but will at all times appeal to reason, or ask a question with the idea of stimulating thought in a particular channel. I shall never attempt to pull down, but where I fancy I can see the way of building up a more noble structure.

I have also chosen the name, because I do not intend that any of my pamphlets or books shall be of a very elaborate or massive kind. In the first place, I cannot afford the time to write, nor have I the means to publish elaborate works; but even if I had, I do not know that I would do so, as I believe they might not be so effective; but I rather desire to write upon a subject, to that extent and in that way that every mind can grasp, without much time or labour, and as a well-directed torpedo may do as much execution as a line-of-battle ship, so I shall try, as far as lays in my power, to arm with what force I can every little work that goes out from my pen, for the dispersion or destruction of what I consider error. I have no doubt but what I shall meet with plenty of criticism, and possibly opposition and contention; but, remember, I write for truth alone; the world will never find me dogmatic; where it can be proved that I am wrong, nothing will give me more pleasure than to learn that which can be proved is right.

page 47

Many too have asked me when I intend issuing my second series of "No More Mystery; or, Man an Epitome of the Universe." As soon as I can afford time to clothe my ideas with words and publish them in books, you will soon hear from me again. And if you have been surprised, or pleased, or both, with this, you will be much more so with the next: till then, farewell!

Torpedo.