Tetradymus. Containing I. Hodegus ... II. Clidophorus ... III. Hypatia. ... IV. Mangoneutes

PREFACE.

...ries This likely completes the word "contraries" or "adversaries" from the preceding page. has dedicated his book to his Lordship; another (not to dwell here on the rest) is his domestic chaplain, and consequently his servant, despite all that Mr. Collier Jeremy Collier (1650–1726) was a prominent theologian and critic, known for his attacks on the "immorality" of the English stage. would do to make the chaplain the master, at least over a layman. Both of them have not only willfully misrepresented me, but have directly lied about me. This is particularly true of Dr. Mangey Thomas Mangey (1688–1755) was an Anglican clergyman who published a sharp rebuttal to Toland’s "Nazarenus" in 1718., who in several instances makes me say things I never even thought, and many things expressly contrary to what I have written. This must cause no small amazement to fair-minded readers. As for those others—who show themselves to be neither rational men (if they will not hear both sides) nor Christians (if they accept an accusation against any man without weighing his defense)—I ignore their criticism as much as everyone else ought to despise them.

That meddling arrogance, which is the inseparable companion of superficial reading; that nitpicking at minor details where a solid argument would break the teeth of superficial scholars original: "smatterers."; 그 angry ranting that replaces reason, and that malice which reveals the narrow-mindedness of a political or religious faction—I leave these to be gathered from the examples I have noted. I have intentionally overlooked many more, as they are too petty for my own or anyone else's consideration; a generous opponent would think them unworthy of notice even if they were actual mistakes.

I would not trouble the world with any kind of answer (having a more noble occupation for my thoughts and time), except that it gave me an opportunity to add further proof and explanation to the subject I had been treating. For, as I said just now, I neither feared the judgment of those who would read both sides, nor did I value the opinion of those who might applaud my challengers without ever seeing my book.

But Dr. Mangey, beyond his constant legalistic trickery and scolding, has displayed such shameful ignorance in secular original: "profane." and sacred history that it was necessary for his Patron—for the sake of his own reputation—to know it, as he might be deceived by Mangey’s arrogant and confident air. This will appear, first of all, in my reply to his positive assertion that I falsely stated it was the constant and general belief of the Muslims original: "Mahometans." that the Pentateuch, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran original: "Alcoran." constituted the foundation of their religion, and formed what they therefore called the RELIGION OF THE FOUR BOOKS. The passages which I have added here to those already in Nazarenus to prove these facts may perhaps be welcome to the curious; just as I know my defense original: "apology." of Reland Hadrian Reland (1676–1718) was a pioneering Dutch scholar whose work sought to provide a more objective view of Islamic beliefs. and others regarding their supposed favoring...