The earth: with reference to Isaiah lxvi. 1.
1821. We felt a total superiority to all the humble beings, who were creeping on the footstool beneath us.—T. Dwight, ‘Travels,’ iii. 245.
1841. One of the most reckless hordes of camp-followers that ever vexed an honest man, or disgraced God’s footstool.—Mr. Kennedy of Indiana, House of Representatives, Aug. 2: Cong. Globe, p. 267, App.
1856. An appropriation … to Washington, Georgetown, or any other spot on God’s footstool.—Mr. Trippe of Georgia, the same, April 14: id., p. 896.
1857. This people are free; they are not in bondage to any government on God’s footstool.—Brigham Young, Sept. 13: ‘Journal of Discourses,’ v. 226.
1859. I would give that power [of declaring war] to no President—none that has ever stood upon this footstool.—Mr. Fessenden of Maine, U.S. Senate, Feb. 18: Cong. Globe, p. 1122.
1867. No man on this footstool can rise & git up & say I ever knowingly injered no man or wimmin folks.—Artemus Ward, ‘The Showman’s Courtship.’
1891. I found Mauchline to be the most God-forsaken place on the footstool.—Boston Journal, Sept. 12. (N.E.D.)
