Lectures on the Atheistic Controversy. By Rev. B. Godwin, D. D. [pp. 576-587]

Godwin on ditheism.
requested either to permit a reply at the termination of your
sermon, or otherwise offer the use of your chapel for that
purpose, some evening of the ensuing week. You have described infidels as the most vicious and detestable beings in
nature; but if you refuse them the common justice here demanded, your conduct will belie your words, and will prove
you to be much more vicious and detestable.
" Bradford, November 15th, 1833.'
" At the conclusion of the sermon, and while the collection was progressing, Mr. M. stated, that he had received a
very ridiculous letter from the infidels, but he must tell them
that' if any one attempted to read any thing, or speak, or
kick up a dust,' they would subject themselves to a penalty
of forty-one pounds, and that officers were in attendance to
mark them out, in order that the law might be enforced.
"'Here is a pretty specimen of the liberality of parsons!
They will only assert the truth of Christianity where their
dogmas cannot be gainsayed! If, however, they be sincere
in their declaration, that such a doom, as they assert, awaits
those who differ from them in opinion and belief, is it not
then their duty to hear, and answer the reasons assigned for
such difference? They must know, that belief is not dependent on the will-it is the result of perception, and that, therefore, declamation against, and vituperation of infidelity, are
quite useless. Persuasion or threatenings can be of no avail
to alter opinions and belief honestly entertained;-all such
changes must be the result of conviction from reflection, reasoning and argument. They should establish the truth of
their creed, by exhibiting the force of its evidence, and the
futility of all objections. Let any one, competent to this
task, undertake it, and he may obtain the co-operation of the
sceptic for the eliciting of the truth.
"I Bradford, November 22d, 1833.'
"On reading the above, the author at once felt that such
an appeal should be met; and. as he found that no one else
was likely to take up the subject, he determined on attetnpting to'establish the truth' of what is generally believed,
'by exhibiting the force of its evidence, and the futility of all
objections.' As soon as his intentions were known, those
who had espoused the,sentiments alluded to, professed themselves highly pleased, and offered to render any assistance to
such an investigation. A public meeting for discussion was
suggested; but that, on several accounts, was declined, as less
eligible than a course of lectures. It was alsct requested, that
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