Fragments from Reimarus

PREFACE BY THE EDITOR.

The name of Reimarus is scarcely known in this country beyond a very select circle of English students, while his writings, as far as I am aware, have never been widely known or frequently quoted by English commentators. The reason for this will perhaps become apparent to anyone who takes the trouble, or allows himself the pleasure, of reading this book. Reimarus is too thorough, too uncompromising, and too faithful to his task to suit the current attitude of mind and heart toward the central figure of orthodox religion referring to Jesus Christ.

The following pages have been translated—truly as a labor of love—from Lessing's Fragments by the Unknown of Wolfenbüttel original: "Fragmente eines Ungenannten". The translator kindly permits me to share the honor of presenting these Fragments to the attention of English readers. I have had nothing to do with the actual work of translation; my role has been purely editorial and limited to a few modifications of expression, which have not altered the meaning.