Meaning: The quote "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" by Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary, reflects a sentiment often expressed during the Age of Enlightenment. This period, characterized by a shift towards rational thinking, scientific inquiry, and a questioning of traditional authority, saw a growing skepticism towards the influence of religious institutions on social and political structures.

Ethan Allen, a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War and a vocal advocate for religious freedom, was known for his criticism of the role of priests and religious authorities in wielding power over the masses. In this quote, he highlights the potential conflict between the interests of priests and the principles of natural law and reason. By asserting that it is in the interest of priests to invalidate these foundational principles in order to establish systems that are incompatible with them, Allen underscores the perceived threat posed by religious authority to individual liberty and the pursuit of truth based on reason and nature.

The quote can be interpreted as a critique of the tendency of religious institutions to assert their authority over matters that should ideally be governed by reason and natural law. It reflects a broader Enlightenment-era concern about the potential for religious dogma to suppress free thought and hinder societal progress. The idea that priests may seek to invalidate the law of nature and reason in order to establish systems incompatible with these principles suggests a deliberate effort to maintain control and influence over individuals and society as a whole.

During the Enlightenment, thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu also expressed similar concerns about the undue influence of religious authorities on governance and intellectual freedom. The concept of separating church and state, and the promotion of religious tolerance and freedom of thought, were central themes in the philosophical and political discourse of the time. Ethan Allen's quote aligns with these Enlightenment ideals by cautioning against the potential dangers of unchecked religious authority and its impact on the pursuit of truth and justice based on reason and natural law.

In the context of the American Revolution, Allen's quote may also be seen as a call to challenge the authority of the British Crown, which was closely tied to the Church of England, and to establish a society based on principles of liberty, reason, and natural rights. The sentiment expressed in the quote can be interpreted as a rallying cry for the rejection of oppressive religious and political structures in favor of a more enlightened and egalitarian society.

Overall, Ethan Allen's quote encapsulates the spirit of Enlightenment thinking and the enduring struggle for freedom from the tyranny of religious and political oppression. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of upholding the principles of reason, natural law, and individual liberty in the face of institutional authority and the quest for power.