,a   ,lett]   ,to !   ,rev]5d ,mr4      
,*ann+   ,relative to   ,8 ,two ,s]mons 
,on   ,infidelity    ,by ,george ,be?une
 ,engli%1 ,a4,m4   ,bo/on   ,pr9t$ = !  
,au?or   #ahac  ,,lett]1 c4  ,rev4 ,sir1
  ,y\r eloqu5t & int]e/+ ,s]mons on     
,infidelity1 ,i h read ) ! int]e/ aris+ 
f ! nature ( ! subject y h discuss$1 & !
 impressive mann] 9 :i* y h treat$ x4   
,z x is und]/ood t ! appe>ance ( ^?     
,s]mons 0 ow+ to a ,book lately publi%$ 
by me1 ,i reque/ y\r p>don = a lib]ty ,i
 am ab\t to take1 :i* 9 any o!r         
circum/ances ,i %\ld blu% to presume    
^u-x is sir1 ) def]5ce1 & great respect1
 to express my s5tim5ts ) reg>d to "s ( 
! argum5ts conta9$ 9 !m1 :]e ! reason+  
does n appe> to me s unexceptionable z !
 language 9 :i* x is envelop$1 is       
eloqu5t & affect+4  ,!re are also "s    
op9ions ( y\rs relative to matt]s (     
fact1 9 ^? disc\rses1 to :i* ,i w\ld    
respectfully solicit y\r att5tion4  ,x  
af=d$ me mu* pleasure1 ?\gh x caus$ me  
no surprise1 to p]ceive y to say 9 y\r  

introductory rem>ks1 t ^! ,s]mons 7     
design$ to procure = ! argum5ts =       
,*ri/ianity a s]i\s1 & respectful       
att5tion &1 t if y %\ld be s happy z to 
awak5 c&id & pati5t enquiry1 y\r        
pr9cipal object w be accompli%$ y wi%1 t
 ,*ri/ianity %\ld be ?or\ghly exam9$1 y 
d n wi% to scre5 x f enquiry4 ,x w\ld   
cease1 y obs]ve to be y\r support 7 y n 
p]suad$ t x is able to su/a9 ! mo/      
delib]ate inve/igation4  ,9 consid]+    
,*ri/ianity z a fair subject =          
discussion1 y d ju/ice to ! cause y s   
eloqu5tly def5d = ,*ri/ianity itself    
hone/ly1 & op5ly pr(esses to (f] itself1
 to ! belief ( all mank9d solely on     
acc\nt ( ! reasons :i* support x2 & s9ce
 its le>n$1 & lib]al advocates always   
ann\nce1 & recomm5d x f ! ,pulpit z     
reasonable 9 itself & confirm$ by       
unansw]able argum5ts2 no "o :o believes 
!m s9c]e c d\bt1 t !y are p]fectly will+
 to h its claims op5ly discuss$ & ?9k   
!mselves amply able to give valid       
reasons1 = ! fai? t is 9 !m1 & :i* !y s 

e>ne/ly invite all m5 to receive4  ,y   
obs]ve1 p4 #ac1 t ! writ+s ( ,infidels1 
h be5 injuri\s n s mu* by ! /r5g? ( _!  
argum5ts1 z by ! positive1 & contemptu\s
 mann] ,9 :i* !y speak ( ,revelation1 !y
 ab\nd 9 s>casm1 abuse1 & sne]1 & supply
 ! place ( reason+1 by wit & satire4 ,if
 s sir1 x is all 9 favor ( ! cause y    
def5d2 = ! t9y weapons ( wit1 &         
ridicule1 w assur$ly fly to %iv]s "u a  
few bl[s f ! solid1 & massy club ( s\nd 
logic4  ,! man :o attacks any sy/em (   
,religion m]ely ) wit1 & ridicule1 c    
nev]1 ,i conceive1 be a v =midable      
antagoni/4  ,! m5tal imbecility ( ! man 
:o c\ld t\* su* a subject z religion 9  
any %ape ) no o!r arms1 w\ld r5d] him a 
h>mless adv]s>y1 & ! intr9sic weakness (
 su* %9+ b sl5d] weapons1 :5 enc\nt]$ ) 
some?+ m solid1 w\ld ev5tually r5d] him 
a contemptible "o1 ,i !re=e _c help     
d\bt+1 t wit & ridicule alone1 &        
unsupport$ by reason+1 & good reason+   
too1 c\ld ev] h be5 v successfully      
wield$ aga9/ su* a ?+ z ! ,*ri/ian      

,religion1 by its oppos]s4  ,no man x   
appe>s to me ( common und]/&+ w ev]     
resign 8 religion on acc\nt ( a few     
jokes1 & bon mots4 ,! adh]5ce ( su* m5 z
 are weak en\gh to be subv]t$ by su*    
trifles c d z little honor to           
,*ri/ianity1 z _! ab&on+ x = su*        
reasons1 c affect x ) disgrace4 ,!      
belief ( su* m5 c\ld nev] h be5 m ?an   
habit1 & _! ,infidelity no?+ else ?an a 
freak ( folly1 :i* is reproa*ful only to
 !mselves4  ,b aft] all1 ?is vehem5t    
objection to wit & ridicule1 appe>s to  
me a little imprud5t2 = a s>ca/ic       
oppon5t might reply1 t sceptics1 h be5 n
 unfrequ5tly attack$ ) irony mo/ sev]e1 
& sometimes sorely w\nd$ by vollies (   
wit %ot f ! pulpit1 a place too :]e x c 
be done )\t fe> ( reprisals4  ,y "k sir1
 t ! fam\s ,w>burton1 = in/ance1 us$ to 
amuse himself ) n only cutt+ d[n e      
unlucky sceptic t came 9 8 way1 b he    
absolutely cut !m to pieces ) ! edge (  
ridicule1 mo/ bitt]ly env5om$ too )     
some?+ else4 ,x seems !re=e a little    

unreasonable1 t :at is fair = "o p>ty1  
%\ld n be s = ! o!r too4  ,besides1 !   
advocates ( a cause1 :i* is said n only 
n to fe> exam9ation1 b to *all5ge x1    
%\ld n1 x appe>s to me1 :5 tak5 at _!   
words %r9k1 & draw back1 on acc\nt ( su*
 trifles z wit1 & ridicule2 because !   
/yle ( an inve/igation _c c]ta9ly       
conceal ! immutable di/9ction betwe5 a  
good argum5t & a bad "o1 f su* le>n$ &  
p5etrat+ adv]s>ies z ! ,cl]gy2 & moreov]
 does x appe> cle> t an advocate aft]   
ass]t+ a proposition1 & defy+           
refutation1 has any "r to insi/1 t 8    
oppon5t %\ld put 8 argum5ts 9 j su* a =m
 z w\ld be mo/ conv5i5t to him8 ,:at    
w\ld a p5etrat+ ,lawy] ?9k ( ! cause ( 8
 oppon5t1 on f9d+ him to insi/ ^u 8     
arrang+ 8 objections1 & express+ 8      
argum5ts j s t x might be mo/ easy to   
him to reply to !m8  ,= my own "p1 ,i h 
no claims to wit1 & if ,i h be5         
sometimes s>ca/ic x 0 m ?an ,i meant to 
be1 x 0 ! prem$itat$ consequ5ce ( bitt] 
feel+s aris+ f consid]+ myself z hav+   

be5 betray$ by my cr$ulity into tak+ a  
situation 9 society1 :i* ,i _h discov]$ 
,i mu/ quit at no less a haz>d ?an t !  
de/ruction ( all my plans & prospects = 
life4 ,at any rate ,i am satisfi$1 t no 
ridicule ( m9e has be5 int5tionally     
adduc$ by me 9 ord] to corroborate a    
false position1 or a weak argum5t2 ,i   
believe t x seldom appe>s except 9 ! re>
 ( some?+ m respectable & effici5t4  ,y 
obs]ve1 t ,*ri/ianity des]ves at lea/   
respectful1 & s]i\s att5tion1 mu/ be    
evid5t to e man :o has hone/y ( m9d4    
,no?+ c be m true ?an ?is1 x is a       
subject :i* does des]ve a respectful1 & 
s]i\s att5tion3 because e ?+ claim+ to  
be f ,god ought to be c>efully1 coolly1 
& respectfully exam9$ on ^! acc\nts4    
#a4 ,if x be f ,god x is ( ! highe/     
importance to ! welf>e ( mank9d t its   
tru? %\ld be inve/igat$ ?or\ghly1 &     
settl$ firmly4  #b4 ,because if x is n f
 ,god x mu/ be ! fruit ( ei!r ( error or
 fraud1 if ( ! fir/ x ought to be       
reject$ z a delusion2 if ( ! second x   

ought to be ca/ (f z a deception        
practic$ 9 ! "n ( ! ,god ( tru?1 & !re=e
 disrespectful to him4  ,x also m]its1 y
 mo/ truly say1 a respectful exam9ation 
on acc\nt ( ! "* ( its f\nd]1 = ! "* (  
,jesus y ju/ly consid] z too excell5t & 
unexceptionable to be reproa*$4 ,:atev] 
may be said conc]n+ ! moral excell5ce ( 
t p]son's "* ,i w *e]fully ass5t to1 &  
,i c\ld n li/5 )\t disgu/ to language   
impea*+ 8 moral purity4 ,?is ,i c d )\t 
ceas+ to suppose him an en?usia/2 = !re 
appe>s to me to be too _m m>ks ( x 9 !  
,new ,te/am5t = ! idea to be set aside  
by a few eloqu5t exclamations1 & notes (
 admiration2 if ,i am wrong 9 ?is idea  
or 9 o!rs1 ,i w n prove indocile to     
argum5ts t %all suffici5tly %[ !        
contr>y4  ,y obs]ve1 p4 #af4 ano!r      
consid]ation :i* entitles ,*ri/ianity to
 respectful att5tion is ?is4 ,t ,jesus  
,*ri/ appe>$ at a "t :5 !re prevail$ 9 !
 ea/ a univ]sal expectation ( a di/+ui%$
 p]sonage :o 0 to produce a great &     
happy *ange 9 ! _w4 ,?is expectation 0  

built on writ+s :i* claim$ to be        
prophetic1 :i* exi/$ long be=e ,jesus 0 
born4  ,i _c help ?9k+ ! v great /ress  
:i* has be5 laid ^u ?is rum\r spread all
 ov] ! ea/ a little unreasonable4  ,=   
#a4 ,a rum\r is n z ,i appreh5d an      
adequate f\ndation on :i* to build su* a
 ?+ z ! ,*ri/ian religion1 :i* claims to
 be d]iv$ f heav54  #b4 ,^? :o h br\ght 
=w>d ) s mu* e>ne/ness ?is popul> rum\r1
 h n1 ,i conceive1 paid due att5tion to 
! causes t might naturally h produc$ x1 
:i* 7 possibly ^!4 ,!re is 9 ! ,jewi%   
prophets frequ5t m5tion ( a great       
deliv]]1 & x is repres5t$ t he %\ld     
appe> 9 ! "t :5 ! ,jewi% nation %\ld be 
suff]+ "u mo/ griev\s afflictions1 & :o 
%\ld deliv] !m !refrom1 ,n[ 0 x n       
p]fectly natural = ! ,jews1 disp]s$ ov] 
,asia1 to expect1 & to circulate !      
notion ( ?is deliv]] :5 _! own suff]+s1 
inflict$ by _! enemies1 7 intol]able8   
,if y w op5 ,josephus1 y w !re read t   
ab\t & aft] ! "t ( ! crucifixion (      
,jesus ! ,jews 7 dreadfully oppress$ by 

! ,romans1 & 7 design$ly driv5 to       
desp]ation1 by ,florus ) ! express      
purpose ( excit+ a rebellion1 & ?us     
prev5t _! accus+ him ( 8 crimes be=e !  
tribunal ( ,caes>4 ,0 x at all unnatural
 !re=e = ! ,jews ?us oppress$1 & read+ 9
 _! sacr$ books1 t !y %\ld be deliv]$ f 
_! oppressors by ! appe>ance ( _! great 
deliv]] :5 _! suff]+s 7 at ! heigh?2 0 x
 extraord9>y t ! ,jews1 wri?+ "u ! la% (
 tyrannical conqu]ors1 & consid]+ _! !n 
circum/ances1 to expect ?is deliv]] at t
 "t8  ,& to conclude1 does x1 aft] all1 
appe> t ?is rum\r prevail$ 9 ! life "t (
 ,jesus1 or n till ab\t ?irty ye>s aft] 
8 crucifixion8  ,y add1 n[ ?is is a     
rem>kable circum/ance :i* di/+ui%es     
,jesus f ! f\nd]s ( all o!r religions4  
,?is 0 no d\bt a slip ( ! memory1 z s   
le>n$ a man z ,mr4 ,*ann+1 no d\bt kn[s 
t ! ,mahometans1 :o are ! mo/ num]\s    
sect ( religioni/s n[ 9 ! _w1 affirm1 t 
!re 0 a v g5]al expectation ( _!        
victori\s prophet ,mahomet1 ab\t ! "t ( 
8 bir? gr\nd$ on tradition1 &1 z !y say1

 orig9ally on v _m texts ( ! ,old       
,te/am5t1 :i* texts1 ) div]s m f ! ,new 
,te/am5t1 are urg$ by ! ,mahometan      
,div9es z to ! same purpose3 ^! texts1 &
 _! irrelevancy are collect$ & %[n by   
,fa!r ,m>acci 9 8 fir/ ,diss]tation     
prefix$ to 8 edition ( ! ,koran1 pr9t$  
at ,padua #afih4 ,coll9s1 9 8 answ] to !
 ,bi%op ( ,lit*field1 & ,cov5try1 /ates 
?is fact1 & ref]s to ,addison's fir/    
/ate ( ,mahometanism p4 #ce4 ,life (    
,mahomet be=e f\r treatises conc]n+ !   
doctr9e ( ! ,mahometans1 p4 #i4         
,m>acci's ,app5dix ad ,prodromum        
primum4p4 #cf-df4  ,9 p4 #ah1 y say1 t !
 prophecies ) reg>d to ! ,messiah1      
describe a deliv]] ( ! human race v     
simil> to say ! lea/ to ! "* 9 :i*      
,jesus appe>$4  ,i mu/ confess t aft]   
read+ aga9 ! prophecies collect$ 9 !    
?ird *apt] ( ,! ,gr\nds ( ,*ri/ianity   
exam9$ ?is simil>ity /ill rema9s        
invisible to me4 ,i hope y w n be (f5d$ 
at my av[+ t y appe> to me to be s5sible
 ( ! difficulty ( ?is affair ( !        

,messiah%ip1 = y cont5t y\rself ) adduc+
 t *>act]i/ic ( ! ,*ri/ record$ 9 ! ,old
 ,te/am5t1 8 tea*+ & enlight5+ !        
,g5tiles ) ! k ( ,god1 & true religion1 
z applicable to ,jesus1 & suffici5t to  
prove him ! ,messiah4 ,yet suppos+ t ?is
 *>act]i/ic w\ld apply to ,jesus1 x w\ld
 n1 ,i ?9k1 be suffici5t to prove him to
 be ! ,messiah or ,*ri/3 s9ce ?is       
*>act]i/ic is m]ely "o among tw5ty o!r  
m>ks giv51 & requir$ to be f\nd4  #b4 ,x
 w\ld1 x appe>s to me1 prove ,mahomet ! 
,messiah soon] ?an ,jesus2 s9ce ,mahomet
 9 p]son conv]t$ m ,g5tiles to ! k &    
wor%ip ( "o ,god dur+ 8 life "t1 ?an    
,*ri/ianity did 9 "o hundr$ ye>s4  #c4  
,b :at is /ill m to ! purpose1 x _c1 ,i 
conceive1 apply to ,jesus at all1 s9ce  
he did n fulfill ev5 ?is solit>y        
*>act]i/ic2 = he did n prea* to !       
,g5tiles1 b conf9$ 8 mission & tea*+ to 
! lo/ %eep ( ! h\se ( ,israel4  ,x 0    
,paul :o e/abli%$ ,*ri/ianity among !   
,g5tiles4  ,9 p4 #ah1 y appe> to admit t
 all ! *>act]i/ic m>ks ( ! ,messiah 7 n 

manife/$ 9 ,jesus1 b w be manife/$ at "s
 future p]iod4 ,to :i* a ,jew might     
answ]1 by politely ask+ y1 :e!r !n y d n
 require too mu* ( him = ! pres5t1 9    
dem&+ fai? ^u cr$it8  ,b t :5 ,jesus (  
,naz>e? 9 ?is future "t %all fulfill !  
prophecies2 w x n be "t en\gh to believe
 him to be ! ,messiah8  ,y ask1 p4 #ai1 
0 ev] "* m pacific ?an t ( ,jesus8 ,c   
any religion brea! a mild] temp] ?an 88 
,into h[ _m f]oci\s brea/s has x already
 infus$ ! k9de/ & g5tle/ _s8 ,& aft] all
 ^! consid]ations is ,jesus to be       
reject$ because "s prophecies :i* relate
 to 8 future triumphs are n yet         
accompli%$8  ,?is argum5t ,i c easily   
conceive mu/ h _h great weight ) su* a  
man z ,mr4 ,*ann+1 ^: he>t accords ) e  
?+ t is mild & amiable4 ,b aft] all my  
de> sir1 :at are all ^! consid]ations to
 ! purpose8 ,%[ t ,jesus 0 z amiable & z
 good z ! mo/ vivid imag9ation c pa9t2  
nay1 prove him to h be5 an angel f      
heav51 & x w n1 x seems to me1 at all   
t5d t[>ds demon/rat+ him to be !        

,messiah ( ! ,old ,te/am5t1 & if 8      
religion 0 z mild z doves1 & z b5efic5t 
z ! bless$ sun ( heav51 /ill ,i might   
respectfully insi/1 t unless he answ]s  
to ! description ( ! ,messiah giv5 9 !  
,old ,te/am5t1 x is all irrelevant1 & "s
 prophecies 7or ev5 "o7 unaccompli%$1   
:i* x is expressly said %\ld be         
accompli%$ at ! appe>ance ( ! ,messiah1 
are q suffici5t ,i conceive to nullify 8
 claims4  ,9 ! #bi? page y say t !      
,gospels are some?+ m ?an loose & idle  
rum\rs ( ev5ts :i* happ5$ 9 a di/ant    
age1 & a di/ant nation4 ,we h ! te/imony
 ( m5 :o 7 ! associates ( ,jesus ,*ri/2 
:o receiv$ 8 in/ructions f 8 own lips & 
saw 8 works ) _! own eyes4  ,i presume t
 aft] :at ,i h repres5t$ to ,mr4 ,c>y ^u
 ! subject ( ! ,gospels accord+ to      
,mat!w & ,john1 :o "k are ! only        
,evangeli/s suppos$ to h he>d ) _! e>s1 
& se5 ) _! eyes ! doctr9es & facts      
record$ 9 ^? books1 y w be will+ to     
all[1 t ?is is v /rong language4 ,y     
obs]ve 9 y\r note to p4 #ai1 t ! o!r    

writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 7except ,luke1
 ,acts1 & ,paul's ,epi/les7 may be all  
resign$1 & our religion & its evid5ces w
 be unimpair$4 ,?is language too appe>s 
to me to be too /rong1 s9ce if y give up
 all b ! writ+s y m5tion we %all by no  
means h ! te/imony ( m5 :o 7 !          
associates ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 :o receiv$ 8 
in/ructions f 8 own lips1 & saw 8 works 
) _! own eyes1 = 9 giv+ up s mu* d y n  
resign ! gospels accord+ to ,mat!w &    
,john8  #b4 ,x requires "s s(t5+ ,i ?9k 
on ^! acc\nts2 s9ce #a4 ,luke 0 n an    
eyewitness ( ! facts he records 9 8     
gospel1 x is only a he>say /ory4 #b4 ,x 
contradicts ! o!r gospels4  #c4 ,x has  
be5 grossly int]polat$4  #d4 ,! le>n$   
,pr(essor ,m>% 9 8 diss]tation ^u ! ?ree
 fir/ gospels ( ,mat!w1 ,m>k1 & ,luke1  
79 8 notes to ,mi*aelis' ,introduction  
to ! ,n4 ,t47 repres5ts1 & gives +5i\s  
reasons to prove1 t ^? gospels are      
,compilations f pre-exi/+ docum5ts1     
writt5 by nobody kn[s :o4  ,s t ! pieces
 f :i* ! ?ree fir/ gospels 7 compos$ 71 

accord+ to ?is ,hypo!sis1 anonym\s1 & ! 
gospels !mselves writt5 by we d n "k :at
 au?ors2 & yet1 y "k sir1 t ^! pat*-"w  
n>ratives ( miracles h pass$ n only =   
cr$ible1 bat = inspir$6  #e4 ,! ,book ( 
,acts 0 reject$ by ! ,jewi% ,*ri/ians1 z
 conta9+ acc\nts untrue1 & contradictory
 to _! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les4  ,x 0 reject$
 also by ! ,encratites1 & ! ,sev]ians1 &
 ,i believe by ! ,m>cionites4  ,! ,jewi%
 ,*ri/ians 7 ! olde/ ,*ri/ian ,*ur*1 &  
!y pron\nc$ t ! ,book ( ,acts 9 our     
,canon 0 writt5 by a p>tizan ( ,paul's2 
& x w be recollect$ t our ,book ( ,acts 
is 9 fact1 pr9cipally tak5 up 9 record+ 
! travels & prea*+ ( ,paul1 & conta9s   
little comp>atively ( ! o!r ,apo/les4 ,!
 ,jewi% ,*ri/ians _h a ,book ( ,acts    
diff]5t f ours4 ,& besides ! fact1 t !  
olde/ ,*ri/ian *ur*1 ! "m *ur* ( ,judea1
 ) :om we %\ld expect to f9d ! tru? if  
any :]e1 reject$ ! ,acts1 ,*ryso/om     
,bi%op ( ,con/ant9ople1 at ! end ( ! #d?
 c5tury1 9 a homily ^u ?is ,book says1 t
 n only ! au?or & collector ( ! ,book1 b

 ! ,book itself 0 unkn[n to _m4 ,?is "m 
*ur* _h n only a book ( ,acts ( !       
apo/les diff]5t f ours1 b also a gospel 
( _! own1 call$ ! gospel ( ! twelve     
apo/les1 :i* is suppos$ by ! le>n$ 9    
important p>ticul>s to diff] f ours4    
,accord+ to ,augu/9e h[ev]1 ?is gospel 0
 publickly read 9 ! *ur*es z au!ntick = 
#cjj ye>s4 ,?is gospel 9 ! op9ion (     
,grabe1 ,mills1 & o!r le>n$ m51 0 writt5
 be=e ! gospels n[ receiv$ z canonical4 
,see ,tol&'s ,naz>5us4  #f4 ,! ,epi/le (
 ,paul to ! ,romans1 ^? to ! ,ephesians1
 & ,colossians1 are ne>ly prov$ to be   
apocryphal by ,evanson1 & ab\t ! re/ !re
 are "s suspici\s circum/ances4 ,y ref] 
! read] ( y\r ,s]mons 9 t note to       
,paley's ,evid5ces1 #i? *apt]1 = evid5ce
 = ! au!nticity ( ! re/ ( ! gospels2 b  
if ! read] goes !re he w f9d1 t all !   
te/imony ,paley quotes = ! fir/ #bjj    
ye>s aft] ,*ri/ except t ( ,papias1     
,ir5aeus1 & ,t]tullian1 7! value ( ^:   
te/imony to ! au!nticity ( ! gospels1   
has be5 consid]$ 9 ! #af? *4 ( my "w2 & 

:i* may fur!r appe> f ^! circum/ances1 t
 ,ir5aeus consid]$ ! ,book ( ,h]mas an  
inspir$ ,scripture z mu* z he did ! f\r 
gospels1 & t ,t]tullian cont5d$ /\tly = 
! inspiration ( ! ridicul\s book (      
,eno*1 "o ( ! mo/ /upid =g]ies t ev] 0  
se517 ! quotations & suppos$ allusions 9
 ! e>li] fa!rs are unc]ta91 s9ce x is   
ackn[l$g$ by ,dodwell1 & also by o!rs1 t
 x _c be %[n ) any c]ta9ty1 :e!r ^!     
quotations & allusions belong to ours or
 to apocryphal gospels4  ,& to conclude1
 w\ld y n require z mu* evid5ce = !     
au!nticity ( ! gospels1 :i* relate      
sup]natural ev5ts1 z we h = mo/ ( !     
classics1 & yet if y exam9e ! subject   
closely1 y w be satisfi$ to y\r         
a/oni%m5t t we h n s mu* z we h = !     
works ( ,virgil or ,cic]o2 & t we h n by
 a great deal s mu* te/imony = !        
miracles ( ,jesus1 :i* 7 sup]natural    
ev5ts :i* require at lea/ z great pro( z
 natural ones z we h = ! dea?s ( ,pompey
 & ( ,julius ,caes>1 ?\gh y seem f y\r  
note to ?9k o!rwise4 ,z to ,celsus1     

,porphyry1 & ,julian1 if !y all[$ !     
gospels to be g5u9e1 !y might h done s1 
& tak5 advantage ( su* an all[ance to %[
 t !y c\ld net1 f _! contradictions1 h  
be5 writt5 by m5 hav+ a mission f ! ,god
 ( ,tru?4 ,b ,sir1 is x c]ta9 t !y did  
ackn[l$ge x8 ,s9ce ! only fragm5ts ( _! 
works ^u ,*ri/ianity we h rema9+1 are j 
su* p>ts z _! ,*ri/ian answ]]s h pick$  
out1 & select$2 ! works !mselves 7      
c>efully burn$4 ,& t ^! answ]]s h n act$
 fairly may be m ?an suspect$1 ,i ?9k f 
a h9t giv5 u by ,j]om1 7:i* y w f9d 9   
,dr4 ,middleton's ,free ,enquiry7 t     
,orig5 9 8 answ] to ,celsus1 sometimes  
f\ght ! devil at 8 own weapons1 i4e4 li$
 = ! sake ( ! tru?2 & x is notori\s1 t !
 ,fa!rs ( ! *ur* all[$ ?is to be lawful1
 & practic$ x abundantly4 ,see ! note at
 ! end4  ,y all[ 9 ! #bj? page t !      
s9c]ity ( ! propagators ( op9ions is no 
pro( ( _! tru?2 & yet y seem to ?9k1 t !
 twelve apo/les mu/ h be5 correct1      
because ! op9ions !y propagat$ 71 y ?9k1
 contr>y to _! prejudices z ,jews4 ,?is 

argum5t _c1 ,i conceive1 support !      
consequ5ces y lay ^u x1 7 x true t !    
apo/les _h ab&on$ _! op9ions z ,jews    
ab\t ! nature ( ! ,messiah's ,k+dom4  ,b
 ,i believe y w n be a little surpriz$1 
:5 ,i %all %[ y1 t 9 prea*+ ,jesus z !  
,messiah !y did by no means adopt ! v   
spiritual ideas y ascribe to !m1 b 9    
fact believ$ t ,jesus w\ld soon return &
 re/ore ! ,k+dom to ,israel 9 good      
e>ne/1 & 9 a s5se by no means spiritual4
 ,?is argum5t1 if ,i c e/abli% x1 y     
obs]ve1 sir1 no d\bt1 mu/ consequ5tly   
subv]t a v consid]able "p ( y\r sy/em1  
by :i* y endeav\r to acc\nt = !         
discrepancies :i* y d all[ z yet to     
subsi/ betwe5 ! prophecies ( ! ,messiah1
 & ,jesus ( ,naz>e?4 ,i besee* y !re=e  
to he$ me c>efully4  ,9 ,luke i4 v]se   
#cb4 ,! angel tells ,m>y t h] son ,jesus
 %\ld be great1 & be call$3 ! son ( !   
,highe/ & ! ,"l ,god %all give unto him 
! ?rone ( 8 fa!r ,david1 & he %all reign
 ov] ! h\se ( ,israel =ev] & to 8 k+dom 
!re %all be no end1 & 9 v]se #fg1 c4    

,za*>iah1 by ! inspiration ( ! ,holy    
,gho/ too1 ?us praises ,god conc]n+     
,jesus ,bless$ be ! ,"l ,god ( ,israel1 
because he ha? visit$ & r$eem$ 8 p1 & he
 ha? rais$ up an horn ( salvation = u 9 
! h\se ( 8 s]vant ,david2 z he spake by 
! mon? ( 8 holy prophets :i* h be5 s9ce 
! _w began1 t we %\ld be sav$ f our     
enemies & f ! h& ( all t hate u1 c4 t we
 be+ deliv]$ f ! h& ( our enemies %\ld  
s]ve him ) hol9ess & righte\sness be=e  
him all ! days ( our lives4  ,see !     
,orig9al4 ,y see1 sir ! notion t ^!     
words allude to1 !y c]ta9ly appe> to me 
to mean some?+ else ?an deliv]ance f    
spiritual foes4  ,see also 9 ! #b;d *4  
#be v]se1 :]e ,simeon a man :o 0 look+ =
 ! consolation ( ,israel & 0 full ( !   
,holy ,gho/1 expresses simil> s5tim5ts4 
,& ,anna ! prophetess also spake conc]n+
 ,jesus to all :o 7 expect+ deliv]ance 9
 ,j]usalem1 i4e4 und\bt$ly deliv]ance f 
! ,romans4 ,! c>nal ideas ( ! ,apo/les )
 reg>d to ! nature ( _! ,ma/]'s ,k+dom1 
& _! consequ5t expectations ) reg>d to  

,jesus1 be=e 8 crucifixion1 are         
ackn[l$g$2 & 9 ! #bd? *apt4 ( ,luke #ba/
 v4 !y say 9 despair1 ,b we tru/$ t x _h
 be5 he :o %\ld h r$eem$ ,israel4 ,&    
aft] ! resurrection1 & j be=e ! asc5sion
 ( ,jesus1 aft] !y _h be5 = =ty days    
in/ruct$ 9 ! ?+s p]ta9+ to ! k+dom (    
,god1 :i* 0 ! same z t ( ! ,messiah1 by 
,jesus himself1 !y d n seem to h _h !   
lea/ idea ( ! metaphysical k+dom ( mod]n
 ,*ri/ians1 = !y ask him1 ,"l wilt ?\ n[
 7or at ?is "t7 re/ore ! k+dom to       
,israel8 ,& 8 answ] is1 n t x %\ld nev] 
be re/or$1 b t x 0 n = !m to "k ! times1
 & ! seasons1 see ,acts #a4 ,& ev5 aft] 
! day ( ,p5teco/1 *4 iii4 v]se #ai1     
,pet] tells ! ,jews to rep5t1 t _! s9s  
may be blott$ out :5 ! times ( refre%+  
i4e4 ( deliv]ance %all come f ! face ( !
 ,"l1 & he %all s5d ,jesus ,*ri/ i4e4  !
 ,messiah be=e prea*$1 7or promis$7 unto
 y1 :om ! heav5s mu/ receive until !    
times ( ! re/oration ( all ?+s :i* ,god 
ha? spok5 by ! m\? ( all 8 holy prophets
 s9ce ! _w began4 ,f ?is we see1 t !    

,apo/les ?\ght t ,jesus 0 gone to heav5 
= a "t1 & 0 to return aga9 !re is no    
m5tion :atev] 9 ! ,prophets ( a d\ble   
com+ ( ! ,messiah & fulfill ! prophecies
 ) reg>d to ! re/oration ( all ?+s to a 
p>adisiacal /ate1 & ! temporal k+dom ( !
 ,messiah sitt+ ^u ! ?rone ( ,david 9   
,j]usalem1 all :i* is conta9$ 9 ! words 
( ! holy prophets :i* h be5 s9ce ! _w   
began4 ,& :at sort ( a k+dom x 0 to be w
 appe> f ! n v spiritual description ( !
 reign ( ,jesus ^u e>? dur+ !           
,mill5nium1 describ$ 9 ! #bj? *apt] (   
,revelations1 & n only s1 b ! au?or ( t 
book repres5ts ! f9al1 & p]man5t /ate ( 
! bless$ z fix$1 n 9 heav51 z mod]n     
,*ri/ians suppose1 b on a new e>?1 or ! 
e>? r5ew$1 & 9 a sup]b city1 call$ ! new
 ,j]usalem4  ,9 fact1 ! ideas ( ! twelve
 ,apo/les ^u ! subject ( ! k+dom ( !    
,messiah 7 precisely z c>nal z ^? ( _!  
unbeliev+ bre?r5 ( ! ,jewi% nation4  ,!y
 believ$1 z has be5 %[n abundantly 9 !  
#ae? *apt] ( ,! ,gr\nds ( ,*ri/ianity   
,exam9$1 t _! ,ma/] ,jesus w\ld come    

aga91 z he _h told !m he w\ld1 9 t      
g5]ation1 & p]=m = ,israel all ! glori\s
 ?+s promis$2 t he w\ld come 9 a cl\d ) 
p[] & great glory1 & all ! holy angels )
 him2 t _m f ! ea/1 & f ! we/ %\ld sit  
d[n ) ,abraham1 ,isaac1 & ,jacob 9 t    
k+dom2 & t ! disciples 7 to eat & dr9k  
at ,jesus' table 9 8 k+dom1 & 7 to sit  
on twelve ?rones judg+ ! twelve tribes (
 ,israel4 ,! au?or ( ! book (           
,revelations1 aft] describ+ !           
magnific5ce & felicity ( ,jesus' k+dom  
^u e>?1 repres5ts him z say+ t he %\ld  
come quickly3 & 9 ! fir/ *apt]s1 t !y :o
 _h pi]c$ him %\ld see him com+ 9 !     
cl\ds4 ,! ,apo/les1 z appe>s f !        
epi/les1 7 on tiptoe ) expectation1 &   
frequ5tly assur$ _! conv]ts t ! ,"l is  
at h&1 ! judge /ood be=e ! door1 c4  ,& 
to conclude1 ,c y n n[1 sir1 conceive1 &
 guess ! cause ( ! gradual disappe>ance 
( ! ,jewi% ,*ri/ians aft] t g5]ation _h 
pass$ away8 ,! fact 01 t ! ,jewi%       
,*ri/ians nev] dream$ ( t figm5t a      
spiritual ,messiah4 ,!y expect$ t ,jesus

 w\ld come aga9 9 t g5]ation z he _h    
told !m he w\ld2 he did n come2 9       
consequ5ce ! ,jewi% ,*ur*1 aft] wait+1 &
 wait+ a great :ile1 dw9dl$ into        
annihilation4  ,y conclude y\r mo/      
eloqu5t s]mons by an appeal to ! feel+s 
9 behalf ( op9ions :i* ought ,i ?9k to  
be def5d$ by reason & pro( r ?an by     
s5tim5t4 ,y compla9 ( ridicule 9 an     
exam9ation ( ?is k9d4 ,i hope y w excuse
 my express+ "s d\bts :e!r eloqu5t      
s5tim5t1 & appeals to ! feel+s are less 
exceptionable 9 a discussion ( ! causes 
:y we ought to give ,*ri/ianity a       
respectful & dispassionate exam9ation4  
,if ,i 7 s happy z to be s eloqu5t z y1 
& 9 a mann] :i* su* p[] ( p]suasion z y 
possess w\ld give me ability to d1 _h   
describ$ ! burn+s1 ! tortures1 ! murd]s1
 & ! plund]+ ( ! ,jew's dur+ ! la/ ?\s& 
ye>s1 9 ord] to cause my read]s to wi%  
to f9d reason to hate ,*ri/ianity2 w\ld 
y n h said x 0 unfair8 ,x _c be necess>y
 to in=m s f9i%$ a s*ol> z ,mr4 ,*ann+1 
t 9 a discussion ab\t ! tru? ( a sy/em !

 consid]ation ( ! consequ5ces ( !       
sy/em's be+ prov$ to be false1 is       
irrelevant & contr>y to rule4 ,y w say t
 y 7 n discuss+ ! tru? ( a sy/em1 b !   
reasons :y we %\ld give x a respectful  
exam9ation4 ,?is is true-,! "q y advis$ 
y\r auditors to exam9e 01 :e!r !        
,*ri/ian religion 0 true or o!rwise4 ,be
 x s4 ,i appeal !n to y\r c&\r1 :e!r x 0
 ! way to s5d !m to ! important enquiry 
unprejudic$ & unbias$1 to impress !m by 
au?ority1 & by argum5ts :i* are good    
only :5 us$ z subsidi>y to pro( or      
demon/ration & by t]rify+ !m ) :at y    
imag9e w\ld be ! consequ5ces ( f9d+ t   
,*ri/ianity is unf\nd$8 ,ah sir1 does ! 
advocate ( a cause f\nd$ on adamant wi% 
to dazzle ! judges & fasc9ate ! jury    
be=e he v5tures to br+ ! m]its ( 8 cause
 to trial8 ,mu/ !y be made to %$ te>s1  
mu/ _! he>ts be made to feel t y are "r1
 9 ord] t _! und]/&+s may be able to    
p]ceive x8 ,%\ld ! le>n$ & able *ampion 
( a sy/em1 :o (f]s x z true1 & to be    
receiv$ only because x is true1 :5 its  

claims are ?reat5$ ) a scrut9y1 lay s   
mu* /ress ^u its suppos$ utility :5 ! "q
 is its tru?8 ,is x an argum5t t        
,*ri/ianity is true1 because if false1 y
 ?9k we %\ld h no religion left8 ,?is   
argum5t no d\bt looks ludicr\s to y1 &  
yet ,i am told t x has be5 gravely (f]$ 
by "s well mean+ m5 aft] read+ y\r      
s]mons1 :o ?\ght x ( no small weight4 ,y
 may see f ?is1 my de> sir1 h[ easily   
simplicity is satisfi$4  ,y lay great   
/ress ^u ! com=ts d]iv$ f believ+       
,*ri/ianity true4 ,b ought m5 to be     
enc\rag$ to lean & build _! hopes on :at
 may p]haps :5 exam9$ turn out to be a  
brok5 re$8 ,! expir+ ,indian dies 9     
peace-hold+ a c['s tail 9 8 h&4 ,if he 0
 9 8 full heal?1 & vig\r ( und]/&+1 w\ld
 y ?9k ,x *>itable to let t man rema9   
un9=m$ ( 8 delusion 9 tru/+ to su* a    
/aff ( com=t8 ,w\ld y n endeav\r to     
enlight5 him1 & make him a%am$ ( 8      
sup]/ition8 ,i "k y w\ld1 & y w\ld d him
 a k9dness des]v+ 8 gratitude4 ,to      
conclude1 ! ,*ri/ian religion is ei!r a 

div9e & solid f\ndation ( morals1 hope1 
& consolation1 or x is n4 ,if x is1 !re 
is no reason 9 ! _w to fe>1 t x c be    
und]m9$1 or hurt 9 ! lea/4 ,to believe s
 w\ld be ,i conceive to d\bt !          
,provid5ce ( ,god4 ,= x _c be suppos$1 t
 a religion really giv5 by ! ,almighty &
 ,all wise c be und]m9$ by a wret*$     
mortal1 a *ild ( du/ & infirmity2 !     
supposition is mon/r\s1 & !re=e no      
exam9ation ( its claims ought to be     
deprecat$1 or fr[n$ at by ^? :o ?9k x   
f\nd$ on adamant1 = no man %r9ks at hav+
 t exam9$ :i* he is positively confid5t 
( be+ able to prove4  #b4  ,if ?is      
f\ndation be n div9e & solid x ought ,i 
conceive to be und]m9$1 & ab&on$4 ,=    
willfully1 & kn[+ly to suff] confid+ m5 
to be dup$1 or allur$ into build+ _!    
hopes & consolation ^u a delusion1 is 9 
my op9ion to maltreat1 & to despise !m4 
,& to suff] !m to be impos$ ^u is bo?   
unbro!rly & di%one/4 ,& to advocate1 or 
to ins9uate a def5se ( an uns\nd        
f\ndation ^u ! pr9ciple ( pi\s frauds1  

viz4 because x is suppos$ by its def5d]s
 to be useful1 y w no d\bt agree ) me is
 bo? absurd1 & immoral4 ,= 9 ! long run 
tru? is m useful ?an error1 no?+ 7says  
,"l ,bacon7 is s p]nici\s z deifi$      
error4 ,& x mu/ n be suppos$1 or        
ins9uat$1 t ! good ,god has made x      
necess>y1 t ! morals1 com=t1 &          
consolation ( 8 rational creatures %\ld 
be f\nd$ on1 or be support$ by a mi/ake 
& a delusion2 = x w\ld be virtually to  
d5y 8 ,provid5ce4  ,9 f9e1 ,*ri/ianity  
come to u z f ,god1 & says to u1 ,he t  
believe? %all be sav$1 & he t believe?  
n1 %all be damn$4 ,!re=e1 he t receives 
su* extraord9>y claims )\t exam9ation1  
is 9 my op9ion1 a wittol2 & he :o suff]s
 himself to be compell$ to swall[ su*   
pret5sions )\t ! sev]e/ scrut9y1 accord+
 to my notions ( ?+s1 has no claims to  
be consid]$ z a man ( common s5se4      
,be=e ,i close my lett]1 x occurs to me 
to obs]ve1 t y appe> to me to h         
misconceiv$ ! /ate ( ! case1 9 repres5t+
 9 y\r s]mons1 t if y give up           

,*ri/ianity y w h no religion left4     
,*ri/ianity1 if ,i und]/& x1 is prop]ly 
conta9$ & taught 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t      
alone4 ,i am n aw>e1 my de> sir1 t if y 
7 to give up ! ,new ,te/am5t y w\ld be  
)\t a religion1 or ev5 :at y ackn[l$ge z
 div9e revelation4 ,x appe>s to me1 t a 
,*ri/ian might1 if he *ose1 give up !   
,new ,te/am5t & place himself on ! foot+
 ( ! dev\t ,g5tiles m5tion$ 9 ! ,acts1  
:o wor%ipp$ ! "o ,god1 & kept ! moral   
law ( ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,y w recollect1 t
 ,i h n attempt$ to affect ! au?ority ( 
! ,old ,te/am5t :i* y ackn[l$ge to      
conta9 a ,div9e revelation4 ,i nev] %all
 because1 ,i w\ld nev] qu>rel ) any ?+  
m]ely = ! sake ( disput+4  ,:e!r ! ,old 
,te/am5t conta9s a revelation f ,god1 or
 n1 its moral precepts are1 z f> z ,i "k
 unexceptionable2 !re is n1 ,i believe1 
any ?+ extravagant or impracticable 9   
!m1 !y are su* z promote ! good ord] (  
society4 ,its religion 9 fact is m]ely  
,!ism g>ni%$1 & gu>d$ by a spl5did      
ritual1 & gorge\s c]emonies2 ! belief ( 

x c produce no oppression & wret*$ness  
to any portion ( mank9d1 & = ^! reasons 
,i = "o w nev] attempt to weak5 its     
cr$it1 :atev] may be my own op9ion )    
reg>d to its sup]natural claims4  ,9    
fact1 to speak correctly1 ! ,old        
,te/am5t is at ?is mom5t ! sole true    
canon ( ,scripture1 ackn[l$g$ z su* by  
g5u9e ,*ri/ianity2 x 0 ! only canon :i* 
0 ackn[l$g$ by ,*ri/1 & 8 imm$iate      
,apo/les4 ,! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are
 all occasional books1 & n a code or    
sy/em ( religion2 nor 7 !y all collect$ 
into "o body1 nor decl>$ by any ev5     
human au?ority to be all canonical till 
sev]al hundr$ ye>s aft] ,jesus ,*ri/4   
,!y are books writt5 by ,*ri/ians1 &    
conta9 pro(s ( ,*ri/ianity alleg$ f !   
,old ,te/am5t1 b conta9 ,*ri/ianity     
itself no o!rwise1 x appe>s to me1 ?an z
 expla9+1 illu/rat+1 & confirm+         
,*ri/ianity suppos$ to be taught 9 !    
,old ,te/am5t4 ,!y are mo/ly1 :]e !y    
inculcate doctr9es1 ,comm5t>ies on !    
,old ,te/am5t d]iv+ f !nce1 & giv+ :at !

 writ]s imag9$ to be conta9$ 9 & hidd5  
"u ! lett] ( x4  ,& ^u ! same pr9ciple t
 ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 receiv$ z  
canonical1 s 0 ! ,pa/or ( ,h]mas1 !     
,book ( ,eno*1 & o!rs1 j z highly v5]at$
 by ! e>ly ,*ri/ians4 ,b !y did n at    
fir/1 z ,i appreh5d _! expressions1 rank
 !m ) ! ,old ,te/am5t1 :i* 0 call$ !    
,scriptures1 by way ( excell5ce4 ,! ,old
 ,te/am5t 0 9 fact suppos$ by ! writ]s (
 ! ,new1 to conta9 ,*ri/ianity "u ! b>k 
( ! lett]2 & !y repres5t ,*ri/ianity z  
hav+ be5 prea*$ to ! anci5t ,jews "u !  
figure ( types1 & allegories4 ,see ,gal4
 iii4 #h4 ,heb4 xi4 & ! fir/ ,epi/le (  
,paul to ! ,cor9?ians1 *4 x4 ,9 a ^w1 ! 
,apo/les pr(ess$ to say none e!r ?+s ?an
 ^? :i* ! prophets & ,moses did say4    
,acts xxvi4 #bb1  ,jesus & 8 ,apo/les d 
frequ5tly1 & emphatically /yle ! books (
 ! ,old ,te/am5t ,! ,scriptures1 & ref] 
m5 to !m z _! rule1 & canon4 ,& ,paul   
says1 ,acts xxiv4 #ad1 ,aft] ! ,*ri/ian 
way1 :i* ye call h]esy1 s wor%ip ,i !   
,god ( my fa!rs2 believ+ all ?+s t are  

writt5 9 ! law1 & ! prophets4 ,b x does 
n appe>1 t any new books 7 decl>$ by !m 
to h t "*4 ,nor 0 !re any new canon (   
,scripture1 or any collection ( books z 
,scripture made :e!r ( ,gospels or      
,epi/les dur+ ! lives ( ! ,apo/les2 z is
 well kn[n to y4--,& if nei!r ,jesus nor
 8 apo/les decl>$ any o!r books to be   
canonical besides ^? ( ! ,old ,te/am5t1 
,i w\ld ask ! ,*ri/ian :o did8 ,or :o _h
 a "r & au?ority to decl>e or make any  
books canonical8 ,if ,*ri/ianity requir$
 a new canon1 or new dige/ ( laws1 x    
%\ld seem t x ought to h be5 done by    
,jesus & 8 apo/les1 & n left to be      
execut$ by any aft] !m3 especially n    
left to be settl$ long aft] _! dea?s by 
weak1 en?usia/ic1 ignorant1 silly &     
facti\s m51 su* z ! fa!rs1 :o 7 s badly 
in=m$ ( ! g5u9e writ+s ( ! f\nd]s ( _!  
religion1 t !y 71 :5 !y came to collect 
& make a new canon1 greatly divid$3 ab\t
 ! g5u95ess ( all books be>+ ! names ( !
 apo/les1 & cont5d$ ) "o ano!r bitt]ly  
ab\t _! au?ority2 & aft] all decree to  

be g5u9e "s :i* are palpably =g]ies4  ,b
 ! tru? is1 t ! pres5t ,new ,te/am5t    
,canon1 0 collect$ & e/abli%$ by !      
,g5tile ,*ri/ians4 ,! ,jewi% ,*ri/ians  
receiv$ none ( !m1 b ackn[l$g$ no?+ =   
,scripture b ! books ( ! ,old ,te/am5t  
:i* 0 ! sole ,canon left !m by ! twelve 
apo/les4  ,_! ,gospel & ,acts1 if my    
memory does n deceive me1 !y reg>d$ z   
hi/ories only4 ,!y 7 m]ely a small body 
( ,jews :o ?\ght t ,jesus 0 ! ,messiah (
 ! ,old ,te/am5t4 ,?is article 0 ! only 
"o :i* made !m ,h]etical3 ,9 all o!r    
respects !y 7 z o!r ,jews aft] ! way :i*
 _! c\ntrym5 call$ h]esy1 s wor%ipp$ !y 
! ,god ( _! ,fa!rs at ! ,national       
,temple2 believ+ & prea*+ no o!r ?+s ?an
 :at !y imag9$ ,moses & ! ,prophets did 
say4  ,i h made ?is /atem5t &           
repres5tation1 sir1 on two acc\nts4  #a4
 ,9 ord] to repel ! %ock+ & gr\ndless   
imputation :i* ,i und]/& t "s pa9s h be5
 tak5 to fix ^u me1 ,i d n mean by y1   
sir1 = y "k ! contr>y t ! object ( my   
late publication 0 to aim at de/roy+ all

 religion1 & ! annihilation ( ! publick 
wor%ip ( ,god1 a *>ge :i* ,i reject )   
horror1 & also ) bitt] indignation1 t x 
%\ld ev] h be5 attribut$ to me4 ,god    
=bid6 t ! publick wor%ip & /at$ rev]5ce 
:i* all ought to pay to ! ,great &      
,trem5d\s ,be+ f :om we receive life &  
its e bless+2 & to ^: ,provid5ce we are 
subject2 & by ^: goodness we are su/a9$1
 %\ld ev] be caus$ to be neglect$1 or   
=gott51 by any man1 or by ! subv]tion ( 
any op9ions :atev]4 ,! propriety ( !    
publick wor%ip ( ,god /&s indep5d5t &   
)\t ne$ ( support f ! peculi> doctr9es (
 any sect4 ,& ! idea t ?is great duty   
w\ld be sup]c$$ by ! dismission ( ! ,new
 ,te/am5t is s utt]ly gr\ndless &       
absurd3 t to make x appe> s1 any man has
 only to recollect t ! public wor%ip ( !
 ,supreme exi/$ be=e ! ,new ,te/am5t 0  
writt5 or ?\ght (2 & to look r\nd ! _w &
 see millions ( m5 wor%ipp+ ,god 9 h\ses
 ( pray]1 :o "k no?+ ab\t ! ,new        
,te/am5t except by report4 ,i reg>d1    
sir1 ! imputation ,i h spok5 (1 z ei!r a

 gross mi/ake ( ! simple1 or a cunn+ &  
delib]ate calumny ( ! crafty4 ,i h made 
?is /atem5t & repres5tation to %[1 t x  
does n foll[1 t 9 giv+ up ! ,new        
,te/am5t ,*ri/ians w be depriv$ ( all   
religion4 ,= 9 reta9+ ! ,old ,te/am5t !y
 w\ld adopt no?+ new1 & w\ld reta9 no?+ 
b :at !y n[ ackn[l$ge z conta9+ a div9e 
revelation2 & 9 giv+ up ! ,new ,te/am5t 
!y w\ld n1 z ,i ?9k has be5 %[n1 give up
 a jot ( :at _h ev] any "r to ! "n (    
,scripture4  ,:e!r h[ev]1 p give up bo?1
 or reta9 "o1 or bo?1 is _! conc]n4 ,i h
 /at$ :at ,i h m]ely to %[1 t 9 giv+ up 
! ,new ,te/am5t !y w\ld n necess>ily    
give up m ?an a "p ( _! bibles1 or any  
"p ( _! bible1 except t ^: au!nticity _c
 be prov$2 nor any m ( _! fai?1 ?an t "p
 ( x :i* = almo/ eighte5 hundr$ ye>s has
 produc$ int]m9able disputes among      
!mselves & mis=tunes1 & causeless       
reproa* to o!rs4  ,) great reg>d1 & !   
mo/ respectful e/eem1 ,i subscribe      
myself1 ,rev]5d ,sir1 ,y\r oblig$ &     
humble s]vant  ,,geo4 ,,be?une          

,,engli%4    ,,note  ,j]om speak+ ( !   
diff]5t mann] :i* writ]s f\nd !mselves  
oblig$ to use1 9 _! controv]sial1 &     
dogmatical writ+s1 intimates1 t 9       
controv]sy ^: end 0 victory1 r ?an tru?1
 x 0 all[able to employ e artifice :i*  
w\ld be/ s]ve to conqu] an adv]s>y2 9   
pro( ( :i* ,orig51 says he1 ,me?odius1  
,eusebius1 ,apoll9>is1 h writt5 _m ?\s&s
 ( l9es aga9/ ,celsus1 & ,porphyry3     
consid] ) :at argum5ts & :at slipp]y    
problems !y baffle :at 0 contriv$ aga9/ 
!m by ! _s ( ! devil3 & because !y are  
sometimes =c$ to speak1 !y speak n :at  
!y ?9k1 b :at is necess>y aga9/ ^? :o   
are call$ ,g5tiles4 ,i d n m5tion !     
,lat9 writ]s1 ,t]tullian1 ,cyprian1     
,m9utius1 ,victor9us1 ,lactantius1      
,hil>ius1 le/ ,i be ?\ght n s mu* def5d+
 myself1 z accus+ o!rs1 c4  ,op4 ,tom4  
#d4 p4 #b4 p43#bef4  ,middleton's ,free 
,enquiry1 p4 #aeh4 ,x is rem>kable t !  
names m5tion$ by ,j]om are ! names ( !  
e>ly apologi/s = ,*ri/ianity4 ,:5 !     
,*ur* got ! upp] h& h[ev]1 !y f\nd a    

bett] way to confute ^? wick$ m51       
,celsus & ,porphyry1 ?an by slipp]y     
problems & by speak+ n :at !y ?\ght 7to 
be true7 b :at 0 necess>y aga9/ ^? :o   
are call$ ,g5tiles1 viz4 by seek+ aft]1 
& burn+ c>efully _! tr\blesome works4 ,(
 ! fa!rs ( ! ,*ur* :o 7 its pill>s1     
lead]s1 & great m54 ,dr4 ,middleton     
obs]ves 9 8 ,preface to 8 ,enquiry1 c1  
p4 #ca1 z foll[s3 ,i h %[n by _m        
indisputable facts1 t ! anci5t ,fa!rs 7 
extremely cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s1 possess$
 ) /rong prejudices1 & an en?usia/ic    
zeal 9 favor n only ( ,*ri/ianity 9     
g5]al1 b ( e p>ticul> doctr9e1 :i* a    
wild imag9ation c\ld engraft ^u x1 &    
scrupl+ no art or means by :i* !y might 
propagate ! same pr9ciples4 ,9 %ort !y 7
 ( a "* front :i* no?+ c\ld be expect$ t
 0 c&id & imp>tial2 no?+ b :at a weak or
 crafty und]/&+ c\ld supply t[>ds       
confirm+ ^? prejudices ) :i* !y happ5$  
to be possess$1 especially :]e religion 
0 ! subject1 :i* above all o!r motives  
/r5g!ns e bias1 & inflames e passion ( !

 human m9d4  ,& t ?is 0 actually ! case1
 ,i h %[n also1 by _m in/ances 9 :i* we 
f9d !m r\ndly affirm+ z true ?+s        
evid5tly false & fictiti\s2 9 ord] to   
/r5g!n z !y fanci$ ! evid5ces ( !       
,gospel or to s]ve a pres5t turn (      
confut+ an adv]s>y3 or ( en=c+ a        
p>ticul> po9t :i* !y 7 lab\r+ to        
e/abli%4  ,9 p4 #ha ( ! ,introductory   
,disc\rse1 he says1 ,let u consid] !n 9 
! next place :at light ^! same =g]ies ^?
 ( ! ,fa!rs ( ! f\r? c5tury w af=d u 9  
look+ backw>ds also into ! e>li] ages up
 to ! times ( ! ,apo/les4 ,& fir/1 :5 we
 reflect on t surpris+ confid5ce &      
security ) :i* ! pr9cipal fa!rs ( ?is   
f\r? age h affirm$ z true :at !y        
!mselves _h ei!r =g$1 or :at !y knew at 
lea/ to be =g$2 x is natural to suspect1
 t s bold a defiance ( sacr$ tru? c\ld n
 be acquir$1 or become g5]al at once1 b 
mu/ h be5 c>ri$ gradually to t heigh?1  
by cu/om & ! example ( =m] times1 & a   
long exp]i5ce ( :at ! cr$ulity &        
sup]/ition1 ( ! multitude 7i4e4 (       

,*ri/ians7 w\ld be>4  ,secondly1 ?is    
suspicion w be /r5g!n$ by consid]+1 t   
?is age ! #d? c5tury 9 :i* ,*ri/ianity 0
 e/abli%$ by ! civil p[]1 _h no real    
occasion = any miracles4 ,= :i* reason1 
! le>n$ among ! ,prote/ants h g5]ally   
suppos$ x to h be5 ! v era ( _!         
cessation & = ! same reason ! fa!rs also
 !mselves :5 !y 7 dispos$ to speak !    
tru?1 h n scrupl$ to confess1 t !       
miracul\s %ifts 7 !n actually )drawn1   
because ! *ur* /ood no long] 9 ne$ ( !m4
 ,s t x mu/ h be5 a ra% & dang]\s       
exp]im5t1 to beg9 to =ge miracles1 at a 
"t :5 !re 0 no p>ticul> temptation to x2
 if ! use ( su* fictions _h n long be5  
tri$1 & ! b5efit ( !m approv$2 &        
recomm5d$ by _! ance/ors2 :o want$ e    
help t[>ds support+ !mselves "u !       
pressures & p]secutions ) :i* ! p[]s on 
e>? 7 afflict+ !m4''  ,?irdly1 if we    
comp>e ! pr9cipal fa!rs ( ! f\r? ) ^? ( 
! e>li] ages4 ,we %all obs]ve ! same    
*>act]s ( zeal & piety 9 !m all1 b m    
le>n+1 m judgm5t1 & less cr$ulity 9 !   

lat] fa!rs4 ,if ^! !n be f\nd ei!r to h 
=c$ miracles !mselves1 or to h propagat$
 :at !y knew to be =g$1 or to h be5     
delud$ s f> by o!r p's =g]ies z to take 
!m = real miracles2 7( ! "o or ! o!r (  
:i* !y 7 all unque/ionably guilty7 x w  
naturally excite 9 u ! same suspicion ( 
_! pr$ecessors1 :o 9 ! same cause1 & ) !
 same zeal 7 less le>n$ & m cr$ul\s1 & 9
 great] ne$ ( su* arts = _! def5ce &    
security4  ,f\r?ly4 ,z ! p]sonal *>act]s
 ( ! e>li] fa!rs give !m no advantage   
ov] _! successors1 s nei!r does ! "* ( !
 e>li] ages af=d any real cause (       
pref]5ce z to ! po9t ( integrity above !
 latt]4 ,! fir/ inde$ are g5]ally call$ 
& held to be ! pure/3 b :5 !y _h once   
acquir$ t title f ! au?ority ( a few    
lead+ m52 x is n /range to f9d x ascrib$
 to !m by e body else2 )\t kn[+ or      
inquir+ into ! gr\nds ( x4 ,b :atev]    
advantage ( purity ^? fir/ ages may     
claim 9 "s p>ticul> respects1 x is c]ta9
 t !y 7 defective 9 "s o!rs1 above all  
:i* h s9ce succe$$ !m4 ,= !re nev] 0 any

 p]iod ( "t 9 all ecclesia/ical hi/ory1 
9 :i* s _m rank h]esies 7 publicly      
pr(ess$1 nor 9 :i* s _m spuri\s books 7 
=g$ & publi%$ by ! ,*ri/ians1 "u ! "n ( 
,*ri/1 & ! apo/les1 & ! apo/olic writ]s1
 z 9 ^? primitive ages2 sev]al ( :i* =g$
 hooks are frequ5tly cit$ & appli$ to ! 
def5ce ( ,*ri/ianity by ! mo/ em95t     
fa!rs ( ! same ages1 z true & g5u9e     
pieces1 & ( equal au?ority ) !          
scriptures !mselves4 ,& no man surely c 
d\bt b t ^? :o w\ld ei!r =ge or make use
 ( =g$ books1 w\ld 9 ! same cause & = ! 
same ends1 make use ( =g$ miracles4 ,let
 ! read] rememb] t ! ,gospels accord+ to
 ,mat!w & ,john are =g]ies1 & !n apply  
?is reason+ ( ,dr4 ,middleton's to !    
miracles conta9$ 9 ^? ,gospels4 ,) reg>d
 to all ! miracles ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 we
 "k !m only by report1 & x is an        
ackn[l$g$1 because a demon/rable fact1 t
 ! age 9 :i* ! acc\nts ( ^! miracles 7  
publi%$1 0 an age ov]fl[+ ) impo/ure &  
cr$ulity4 ,su*1 says ,bi%op ,fell1 0 !  
lic5se ( fiction 9 ! fir/ ages1 & s easy

 ! cr$ulity1 t te/imony ( ! facts ( t "t
 is to be receiv$ ) great caution1 z n  
only ! pagan _w1 b ! *ur* ( ,god1 has j 
reason to compla9 ( its fabul\s age4    
,/ill+fleet says1 t antiquity is        
defective mo/ :]e x is mo/ important1 ,9
 ! awe imm$iately succe$+ t ( ! apo/les4
 ,n[ be x recollect$1 t ! ,gospels fir/ 
appe>$ 9 ?is age ( fraud & cr$ulity2 &  
be x fur!r rememb]$1 t ! au!nticity ( ! 
,gospels1 accord+ to ,mat!w & ,john c be
 subv]t$1 if m>ks ( impo/ure1 :i* w\ld  
cause ! rejection ( any o!r books1 are  
suffici5t to affect ! au!nticity ( ^?   
receiv$ z sacr$4 ,x is to be rem>k$     
f>!r1 t ! *ur* 9 its fir/ ages 0 full ( 
=g$ hooks1 giv+ acc\nts ( ! same ev5ts1 
diff]5t f ^? ( ! books ( ! ,new         
,te/am5t4 ,! diff]5t sects1 & ! *ur*    
itself1 0 torn by z _m s*isms !n z x ev]
 has be5 s9ce1 :o mutually accuse ea*   
o!r ( corrupt+ ! ,*ri/ians scriptures1 &
 ( ly+1 & *eat+ mo/ abom9ably4  ,all    
reason+ !re=e f books publi%$ at ?is "t1
 & ^: au!nticity is support$ only by !  

te/imony ( ackn[l$g$ li>s2 & :i* h be5  
tamp]$ ) too z ^! c]ta9ly 71 is exce$+ly
 unsatisfactory4  ,& yet su* is ! basis 
on :i* re/s ! cr$ibility ( ! miracles ( 
! ,new ,te/am5t4  ,dr4 ,middleton1 aft] 
hav+ %[n1 beg9n+ at ! e>lie/ ( ! fa!rs  
imm$iately aft] ! apo/les1 t !y 7 all   
mo/ amaz+ly cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s3 & hav+
 demon/rat$ f _! own words1 t f ,ju/9   
,m>tyr d[nw>ds !y 7 all li>s1 obs]ves z 
foll[s1 p4 #aeg1 ,free ,inquiry3 ,n[ x  
is agre$ by all1 t ^! fa!rs1 ^:         
te/imonies ,i h be5 j recit+ 7 ! mo/    
em95t lights ( ! f\r? c5tury2 all ( !m  
sa9t$ by ! ca?olic *ur*1 & highly       
rev]5c$ at ?is day 9 all *ur*es1 = _!   
piety1 probity1 & le>n+4  ,yet f !      
specim5s ( !m above giv51 x is evid5t1 t
 !y w\ld n scruple to propagate any     
fiction1 h[ gross s ev]1 :i* s]v$ to    
promote ! int]e/ ei!r ( ,*ri/ianity 9   
g5]al1 or ( any p>ticul> rite or doctr9e
 :i* !y 7 desir\s to recomm5d4 ,/4 ,j]om
 9 effect confesses x1 = aft] ! m5tion (
 a silly /ory1 conc]n+ ! ,*ri/ians (    

,j]usalem1 :o us$ to %ew 9 ! ru9s ( !   
temple1 c]ta9 /ones ( a r$di% color1 :i*
 !y pret5d$ to h be5 /a9$ by ! blood (  
,za*>ias ! son ( ,b>a*ias1 :o 0 sla9    
betwe5 ! temple & ! alt>1 he adds1 b ,i 
d n f9d fault ) an error :i* fl[s f a   
hatr$ ( ! ,jews1 & a pi\s zeal = !      
,*ri/ian fai?4 ,if ! miracles !n ( !    
f\r? c5tury1 s solemnly atte/$ by ! mo/ 
celebrat$ & rev]$ fa!rs ( ! *ur*1 are to
 be reject$ aft] all z fabul\s1 x mu/   
ne$s give a fatal bl[ to ! cr$it ( all !
 miracles ev5 ( ! prec$+ c5turies2 s9ce 
!re is n a s+le fa!r :om ,i h m5tion$ 9 
?is f\r? age1 :o = zeal & piety may n be
 comp>$ ) ! be/ ( ! m anci5t1 & = k1 & =
 le>n+ be pref]r$ to !m all4 ,= in/ance1
 !re 0 n a p]son 9 all ! primitive *ur* 
m highly respect$ 9 8 own days ?an ,/4  
,epiphanius1 = ! purity ( 8 life z well 
z ! ext5t ( 8 lean+4 ,he 0 ma/] ( five  
languages1 & has left beh9d him "o ( !  
mo/ useful works :i* rema9 to u f       
antiquity4 ,/4 ,j]om1 :o p]sonally knew 
him1 calls him ! fa!r ( all bi%ops1 & a 

%9+ /> among !m2 ! man ( ,god ( bless$  
memory2 to :om ! p us$ to flock 9 cr[ds1
 (f]+ _! little *ildr5 to 8 b5$iction1  
kiss+ 8 feet1 & cat*+ ! hem ( 8 g>m5t4  
,?is holy man & light ( ! *ur*1 ! great 
man ( 8 day1 ass]ts ^u 8 own k1 t 9     
imitation ( our ,savi\r's miracle at    
,cana 9 ,galilee sev]al f\nta9s & riv]s 
9 8 days 7 annually turn$ into w9e4 ,a  
f\nta9 at ,cibyra1 a city ( ,c>ia1 &    
ano!r at ,g]asa 9 ,arabia1 prove ! tru? 
( ?is4 ,i myself h drunk out ( ! f\nta9 
at ,cibyra1 & my bre?r5 out ( ! o!r at  
,g]asa2 & _m te/ify ! same ?+ ( ! riv]  
,nile 9 ,egypt4 ,adv]s4 ,ha]es1 #a4 #b1 
c4 #acj4 ,middleton's ,inquiry1 p4 #aea1
 #aeb ,all ! re/ 7,dr4 ,middleton goes  
on to say7 7 m5 ( ! same "*1 :o sp5t _! 
lives & /udies 9 propagat+ ! fai?1 & 9  
combat+ ! vices & ! h]esies ( _! times4 
,yet none ( !m h scrupl$1 we see1 to    
pl$ge _! fai? = ! tru?1 ( facts :i* no  
man ( s5se c believe1 & :i* _! w>me/    
admir]s are =c$ to give up z fabul\s4   
,if su* p]sons !n c\ld willfully attempt

 to deceive2 & if ! sanctity ( _!       
*>act]s _c assure u ( _! fidelity1 :at  
bett] security c we h f ^? :o liv$ be=e 
!m8 ,or :at cure = our scepticism )     
reg>d1 to any ( ! miracles above        
m5tion$8 ,0 ! fir/ ass]t] ( !m1 ,ju/9   
,m>tyr m pi\s1 cauti\s1 le>n$1 judici\s1
 or less cr$ul\s ?an ,epiphanius8 ,or 7 
^? virtues m conspicu\s 9 ,ir5aeus1     
,t]tullian1 ,cyprian1 ,arnobius1 &      
,lactantius1 ?an 9 ,a?anasius1 ,gregory1
 ,*ryso/om1 ,j]om1 ,au/98 ,nobody1 ,i   
d>e say1 w v5ture to affirm x4 ,if ^!   
lat] fa!rs1 !n1 bias$ by a false zeal or
 int]e/1 c\ld be tempt$ to propagate a  
kn[n lie1 or ) all _! le>n+ & k c\ld be 
s weakly cr$ul\s z to believe ! absurd  
/ories :i* !y !mselves atte/1 !re mu/ be
 always reason to suspect1 t ! same     
prejudices w\ld op]ate ev5 m /rongly 9 !
 e>li] fa!rs1 prompt$ by ! same zeal & !
 same int]e/s1 yet endu$ ) less le>n+1  
less judgm5t1 & m cr$ulity4  ,su*       
,*ri/ian read]1 7 ! fa!rs1 ! lead]s1 & !
 great m5 ( ! *ur*1 & ! apologi/s = y\r 

religion4 ,& x is ^u ! cr$ibility ( ^!  
convict$ knaves t ultimately1 &         
sub/antially dep5ds y\r belief4 ,= x is 
^u _! te/imony & tradition t y receive &
 believe 9 ! au!nticity ( ! ,n4,t41 its 
doctr9es & miracles4  ,i hope t if y    
*oose to build y\r fai? ^u ! te/imony ( 
su* witnesses1 t y w n ?9k x            
unreasonable 9 me to presume to d\bt !  
tru? ( op9ions & miracles support$ by ! 
te/imony ( m5 l ! fa!rs4 ,i am will+1   
because ,i ?9k x reasonable1 to let e   
man foll[ 8 own judgm5t1 & d ,i ask too 
mu* to be p]mitt$ )\t (f5ce to enjoy !  
same lib]ty ) reg>d to ^! ?+s2 :i* ,i   
conceive no fair man w n[ say1 7if :at  
has be5 br\ght =w>d be true7 are        
positively provable z true1 & wor?y (   
unhesitat+ ass5t4  ,= ! case is ?us4 ,! 
gospels are accus$ ( be+ writt5 by      
cr$ul\s & sup]/iti\s au?ors ^: names are
 n c]ta9ly kn[n2 z conta9+ too          
inconsi/5t & contradictory acc\nts (    
prodigies & miracles2 & also palpable   
m>ks ( =g]y4  ,n[ to conv9ce a ?9k+ man1

 t hi/ories ( su* suspect$ "*1 conta9+  
relations ( miracles1 are div9e or ev5  
really writt51 by ! p]sons to :om !y are
 ascrib$1 & n ei!r "s ( ! _m spuri\s    
productions1 ) :i* x is notori\s &      
ackn[l$g$1 ! age 9 :i* !y appe>$ ab\nd$1
 calculat$ to a/oni% ! cr$ul\s &        
sup]/iti\s6 or else writ+s ( au?ors :o 7
 !mselves infect$ ) ! grosse/ sup]/iti\s
 cr$ulity1 :at is ! te/imony8  ,= ! fir/
 hundr$ ye>s aft] ! lives ( ! suppos$   
au?ors1 none at all4 ,& ! e>lie/ fa!rs  
:o speak ( !m are all convict$ ( gross  
cr$ulity1 & incapacity to di/+ui% g5u9e 
f1 fictiti\s writ+s1 7= !y admitt$ z    
g5u9e scripture _m books confess$ly     
nons5sical =g]ies17 b :at is worse1 are 
manife/ly guilty by ! evid5ce ( _! own  
words ( hav+ be5 palpable li>s1 *eats1 &
 =g]s4 ,b1 x is an obvi\s rule 9 !      
admission ( evid5ce 9 any cause         
:atsoev]1 t ! m important ! matt] to be 
det]m9$ by x is1 ! m unsulli$1 &        
unexceptionable ought to be ! *>act]s ( 
! witnesses to be4 ,& :5 no c\rt (      

ju/ice among u 9 det]m9+ a "q ( fraud to
 ! value ( sixp5ce w admit ! te/imony ( 
witnesses :o are !mselves notori\sly    
convict$ ( ! same (f5ce ( :i* ! def5dant
 is accus$2  h[ c x be expect$ t any    
reasonable unprejudic$ p]son %\ld       
reasonably be requir$ to admit simil>   
evid5ce1 i4e4 ! te/imony ( su* m5 z !   
fa!rs 9 favor ( ! div9e au?ority ( books
 :i* are accus$ ( be+ ! (fspr+ ( fraud &
 cr$ulity2 & :i* relate too to a case ( 
! greate/ importance possible1 n to     
himself only1 b to ! :ole human race86  
,= my own "p1 ,i _c2 & ,i ?9k ,i c\ld n 
)\t r5\nc+ all ^? rules & pr9ciples (   
evid5ce1 & ( good s5se1 :i* 9 all o!r   
cases are univ]sally respect$4 ,& :5 we 
consid] ! "* ( ^? by :om ^! hi/ories 7  
fir/ receiv$ & believ$1 !               
unreasonabl5ess ( insi/+ ^u ! belief (  
^! acc\nts w appe> aggravat$4 ,:at 0 !  
"* ( ! e>ly ,g5tile ,*ri/ians8 ,?is we c
 asc]ta9 f only two s\rces--! writ+s (  
_! lead]s1 & ^? ( _! hea!n              
contempor>ies4 ,accord+ to ! latt] !y 7 

v weak & cr$ul\s4 ,! primitive ,*ri/ians
 7 p]petually reproa*$ = _! gross       
cr$ulity by all _! enemies4 ,celsus says
 t !y c>$ nei!r to receive nor to give  
any reason ( _! fai?1 & t x 0 an usual  
say+ ) !m1 d n exam9e1 b believe only1 &
 ?y fai? w save !e4 ,julian affirms1 t !
 sum1 ( all _! wisdom 0 compris$ 9 ?is  
s+le precept1 believe4 ,! ,g5tiles1 says
 ,arnobius1 make x _! con/ant bus9ess to
 laugh at our fai?1 & to la% our        
cr$ulity ) _! faceti\s jokes4  ,! fa!rs 
on ! o!r h&1 def5d !mselves by say+1 t  
!y did no?+ m3 on ?is occasion ?an :at !
 philosoph]s _h always done2 t          
,py?agoras' precepts 7 inculcat$ by an  
ipse dixit1 & t !y _h f\nd ! same me?od 
useful ) ! vulg>1 :o 7 n at leisure to  
exam9e ?+s2 :om !y taught !re=e to      
believe1 ev5 )\t reasons3 & t ! hea!ns  
!mselves1 ?\gh !y did n confess x 9     
words1 yet practic$ ! same 9 _! acts4   
,middleton's ,free ,enquiry4 ,introduc4 
,disc4 p4 #ib4 ,lucian says1 t :5ev] any
 crafty juggl] exp]t 9 8 trade1 & :o    

knew h[ to make a "r use ( ?+s1 w5t ov] 
to ! ,*ri/ians1 he 0 sure to gr[ ri*    
imm$iately1 by mak+ a prey ( _!         
simplicity4 ,de ,morte ,p]eg4  ,if we   
turn to ! writ+s ( ! e>lie/ fa!rs2 f ^! 
writ+s ( ! great m5 ( ! ,*ur* at t "t we
 %all =m b a v mean idea ( ! und]/&+s ( 
! little ones1 s9ce _! writ+s are n "o  
:it sup]ior to ! godly ,epi/les ( ! l[e/
 ord]s ( fanatics 9 ! la/1 & pres5t     
c5tury1 !y are rem>kable = no?+ m ?an   
manife/+ ! extreme simplicity1 &        
cr$ulity1 toge!r ) ! s9c]e piety ( !    
writ]s4 ,! fa!rs :o succe$$ !m 7 bett]  
in=m$1 b n at all beh9d !m 9 cr$ulity1 &
 en?usiasm4  ,t]tullian1 ! mo/ p[]ful   
m9d among !m dur+ ! fir/ two hundr$     
ye>s1 reasons z foll[s4  ,! ,son ( ,god 
0 crucifi$3 x is no %ame to own x1      
because x is a ?+ to be a%am$ (4 ,! ,son
 ( ,god di$3 x is :olly cr$ible1 because
 x is absurd4 ,:5 buri$ he rose aga9 to 
life3 x is c]ta91 because x is          
impossible4 ,de ,c>ne ,*ri/i1 ,section  
#e4