Reflections on Lessing's Fragments

honest people in the learned pillory Pranger: a pillory or platform where offenders were publicly shamed; here used metaphorically for intellectual character assassination in journals and reviews., to expose them to the laughter of other learned wits original: "Wizlinge." A derogatory term for those who pride themselves on superficial cleverness or intellectual vanity. through biting critiques, and to strip them of their honor and reputation.

It is already a great failing in an upright writer if he does not dare to honor even that work with his name in which he believes he has dealt with truths that he would like to impart to his fellow men, and to shape them into good people, so that he might be loved by them and honored, praised, and loved for the truth shared with them.

You The author continues to address Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. and the author of the Letters on the Bible in a Popular Tone original: "Briefe über die Bibel in Volkston." This refers to Karl Friedrich Bahrdt, a radical theologian known for his controversial, modernized versions of the New Testament. must