_Fourthly_, We should think our selves oblig'd to set our Names to our Writings in Controversy, especially where it is such a _warm_ one as is ours at present. The Observation of this _Rule_ would not only prevent much of the Violation of the _two_ former; but would hinder abundance of the Dirt of Scandal, Lies and Defamations, that we too often throw at each other. For what Reason some of the _Writers_[362] against me have industriously conceal'd their Names, I know full well. They perhaps would have it thought Modesty, and that they are not ambitious of the publick Praises they may deserve for their learned and elaborate Performances. And possibly it may be Modesty in some Theological Authors to conceal themselves: But where Men have the Impudence to defame, it's in vain to pretend to the Cloak of Modesty to cover themselves under. Wherefore then do they sometimes who write on the establish'd Side of the Question, on which Honour and Preferment goes, thus conceal themselves? Why, that they might belie and slander their Adversaries the more securely, without being expostulated with for their Impudence. It's to no Purpose, they know, to upbraid an anonymous Author with his Scandal, because he can't be put to the Blush for it. And a wise Man will not lose his Labour to expose and confute a libellous Writing, unless he knew whom to charge with the Guilt of it. It is my Resolution to take no Notice of any nameless Authors against me, because I, being as it were blindfolded, engage them at a Disadvantage, whilst they have a full View of me. For this Reason the _Tryal of the Witnesses_ was pass'd by, or I should have been tempted to have made some Remarks on it. Let such _Authors_ come forth into the Light, and it may be, they'll meet with the same Favour I have done the _Bishop_ of _St. David_'s. In the mean time, I declare my Abhorrence of Authors their Concealment of their Names, and I hope all ingenuous _Writers_ in Controversy will do so too; tho' for no other Reason, than to prevent Misrepresentations, Defamations, and personal Reflections, which nameless Authors are too often guilty of.