meanly floops to methods of fcandal, by making odious comparisons, and evidently falfe affertions. His friend the Moderator Speaks out his mind more freely, and openly denies what this other author falfely and treacherously profeffes to defend. He hath found out that the refurrection of Chrift is an old woman's fable; and that the apoftles had fome intereft to ferve by defending and propagating the imposture, and that the miracles of Chrift were — -fuch ridiculous ftories he had not patience to mention them. These are plain affertions indeed, and the true turning points of the controverfy. But would one not have expected that thefe affertions should have been proved? Is his ipfe dixit a sufficient confutation of the facts of Chriftianity? And are not fuch affertions as thefe, without any proofs to confirm them, an argument that he wishes Chriftianity may be falfe, tho' he is not able to prove it fo? I am exceedingly Jurprized, that in a controverfy of this fort, fo much ill nature and prejudice fhould appear; tho' I am at the the fame time as truly pleafed to fee Chriftianity thus thro'ly canvaffed and examined. I wish that both the friends and enemies of it would be content to argue fairly, without any reflections on either fide, not well fupported and proved. Then we might hope to fee fome happy issue of the debate: and if the following difcourfes fhall have any influence to promote the cause of truth and virtue, 'tis all I expect or defire from the publication of them. THE |