In short then, it is not because I am an _Infidel_, that the _Clergy_ so exclaim against me and my _Discourses_; but because, as a Christian, I have particular Designs in view, which, if I can compass, will tend to their Dishonour, and the Ruin of their Interests; and therefore, by Defamations and Prosecutions, they will, if they can, in time put a stop to them. The Designs that, for the Truth of Religion, and Good of Mankind, I have in view, and which, maugre all Opposition, Terrors, and Sufferings, I will pursue to the utmost of my Power, are these three. 1. To restore the Allegorical Interpretation of the Old and New Testament, that is call'd, say the Fathers, the sublime Mountain of Vision, on which we shall contemplate the Wisdom and Beauty of the Providence of God; and behold the glorious Transfiguration of _Jesus_ with _Moses_ and _Elias_, that is, the Harmony between the Gospel and the Law and the Prophets, agreeably to _Jesus_'s typical Transfiguration. And this is such a glorious and beatifick Vision, that it's enough to ravish our Hearts with the Hopes and Desires of attaining to it. The old _Jews_ say, that the allegorical Interpretation of the Scriptures will lead us to the sight of God and convert even _Atheists_. The Fathers say, that the allegorical Interpretation will be the Conversion of the _Jews_ in the Perfection of Time; and St. _Augustin_ speaks of a great allegorical _Genius_,[342] that will be sent to that Purpose. I believe all this, and being convinced of the Truth of it, I am much addicted to Allegories. And it is plain enough, and wants no Proof, that the Revival of the allegorical Scheme, which I am fond of, portends Ruin to the _Ministry of the Letter_; and will be such an Argument of the Ignorance and Apostacy of our _Clergy_, that it's no wonder they defame, calumniate, and persecute me for my Attempts towards it. _Origen_ says,[343] that _litteral Interpreters will run into Infidelity_, which is a Saying I am well pleased with, and thereupon will try if I can't turn the Tables upon our _Clergy_; I'll try if I can't shift from my self the present Load of Reproaches for Infidelity, and lay it upon them. What would the Wife and the Learned then say? That the great _Bishops_ of _London_ and St. _David's_ had caught a _Tartar_. I have indeed ludicrously treated the Letter of the Scriptures (in my _Discourses_) which by the said _Bishops_ is falsly called _Blasphemy_: But should they either _ludicrously_ or _sedately_ write against the allegorical Sense of them, I could prove _that_ to be real _Blasphemy_. However, I would not complain to the Civil Powers against them; no, it's God's peculiar Prerogative to punish that Sin, which ought not to be committed to the Care of the Civil Magistrate.