IV. The idea, that a lie is always mixed with some truth from whence
it was derived, is not only prevalent among the vulgar, but has also
taken place in the imaginations of many learned men; who have extended
the opinion to those truths and lies, which are the most different in
themselves, and the most widely distant from each other; that is, to
revealed truths, and the errors which are diametrically opposite to them.
These pretend, that all the fables of gentilism, took their rise from
events that are related in the scripture; and that these fables, are
nothing else but sacred history altered and corrupted.
V. The erudition that has been expended in this endeavour, is immense;
and there is no doubt, but the arduousness of the undertaking, requires
great learning and reading, as it demands a knowledge of almost
all the profane authors, in order to extract from their works all
those circumstances, in which they shall find any allusion between
the fables and the histories; and also a profound knowledge of the
Oriental languages, for the purpose of deducing, either by means of the
signification or etymology of the words, the resemblance between the
names of the heroes and deities of the Pagans, and those of the persons
of the scripture. This is a task, that has been undertaken by men who
were extremely learned and able; such as Bishop Huet, Father Tournemine,
Samuel Bochart, Nicholas Butler, Heinsius, Vossius, and others. But their
labours turned out to be all cultivating with great industry a soil, that
was capable of producing nothing but flowers; I mean, that all the toils
of these great men, served only to shew their ingenuity and erudition,
but not to discover the truth.
VI. I well know this sentiment of mine stands in need of much support,
on account of the great numbers of literary men who are votaries to the
opinion, that in the fables of the Gentiles, are involved or disguised
the truths of the scripture; finding then that I can have but little
hopes of aid from authority, I must appeal to reason; but I consider
myself to have so good a plea at this tribunal, that I have great
expectations judgment will be pronounced in my favour by all such of my
readers, as are divested of prejudice or preoccupation.