Notwithstanding your Lordships' readiness* "to oppose error of every kind by argument and persuasion," it happens unfortunately for us, that these mechanical and persuasive arguments are unknown in _Britain_. Instead of that most strong and logical argument, called the torture, we are obliged to adopt plain reason, or, at most, when that fails us, the _prison, fine, and pillory_. But, it is to be hoped, that the happy time is not far off, when the priests of _Britain_ may be able to argue with as much force as the spiritual directors of other countries; when the Clergy may approach the throne, and avow their readiness to stop the mouths of men, without being under the shameful necessity of contradicting themselves, by "disavowing all violence in the cause of religion.*" * Vide Address of the Convocation presented to his Majesty the 17th of November, 1780. In those better days, the Lord Bishop of Chester may overthrow the arguments of an infidel peer, by declaring them "unworthy of a Reply;" and the Bishop of St. David may confirm the defeat, by affirming, that the arguments of unbelievers "deserve no answer;" for every one will then say, they "would not" answer them, not that they "could not," as they impiously affirm at present. But as those glorious times are not yet arrived, we must be contented, in the mean while, to proceed in the old method of reasoning upon even ground with our adversaries. The weak, though _zealous Christian_, who has the honour, to address your Lordships on the present occasion, has presumed to lay before you a few of the Doubts of the Infidels, and he hopes you will answer them to his entire satisfaction.* He is happy in reflecting that the late act of parliament forbids them to speak; but his satisfaction is infinitely greater when he assures himself, that your Lordships' answer will convince them and make them ashamed even to _write, speak, or think_. * Vide the same address. Thus fervently prays your Lordships' unworthy co-operator, The Author. * The following are the chapters, with many others, which contain the most objectionable parts:-- Genesis, chap. 16, 18, 19, 30, 34, 35, 38, 30. Numbers, 25. Judges, 10, 19. 1 Samuel, 25. 2 Samuel, 11, 13, 16. Ezekiel, 4, 10, 22, 23. Hosea, 1, 2, 3. The following are those chapters which contain instances of cruel and torturous executions, and unrelenting vindictiveness. Genesis, chap. 34. Numbers, 31. Joshua, 8,10. Judges, 4, 5, 21. 1 Samuel, 15. 2 Samuel, 12, 21. 1 Kings, 2. 2 Kings, 10. DOUBTS OF INFIDELS,