The Difficulties of Infidelity: Modern infidelity considered with respect to its influence on society. New York: W. Gowans, 1853. 1 v. (various pagings); 20 cm. Plus catalogue of apologetics-themed books. Disclaimer: Some of these advocate heterodox beliefs.
A Dissertation on the prophecies that have been fulfilled, are now fulfilling, or will hereafter be fulfilled: relative to the Great Period of 1260 years, the Papal and Mohammedan apostacies, the tyrannical reign of Antichrist, or the infidel power, and the restoration of the Jews: to which is added, an appendix / by George Stanley Faber. 2nd American from the 2nd London edition. New York: Evert Duyckinck: M. and W. Ward, 1811. New York: George Long 2 v.
Fairbairn, Patrick
(1805-1874)
Professor of Divinity, Free Church College, Aberdeen. Read about Fairbairn here.
Positions géologiques, en vérification directe de la chronologie de la Bible. Munich: Impr. G. Franz, 1834. 32 pp.; 17 cm.
OCLC: 30946518.
Miscellaneous papers on geology and other branches of science, published in various periodical works, and now collected together . Positions géologiques en vérification directe de la chronologie de la Bible. 1832-1846. 535 pp.: ill.; 24 cm. Note(s): Title in manuscript./ Volume of articles and mounted clippings from British publications, collected by Fairholme; added, in ms., are his copious notes, a table of contents and pagination. Includes reviews and criticism of his "A general view of the geology of Scripture" (London, 1833) and "New and conclusive physical demonstrations, both of the fact and period of the Mosaic deluge" (London, 1837). OCLC: 77216092. University of Illinois.
Farrar, Adam Storey
(1826-1905)
Apologist.
WORKS
A Critical history of free thought in reference to the Christian religion; Eight lectures preached before the University of Oxford, in the year 1862. On the foundation of the late Rev. John Bampton. By Adam Storey Farrar. New York, D. Appleton, 1863. xlvi, 487 pp. 21 cm. Text-searchable. PDF version here. Review here.
(TM): Adam Storey Farrar, fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, delivered his Critical History of Free Thought as a set of eight sermons preached under the auspices of the Bampton Foundation in 1862. The work is a contribution to the history of apologetics and only secondarily to apologetics itself. But for the student of the subject it is an exceptionally valuable performance. Farrar covers the history of attacks on the Christian religion from Lucian, Celsus and Porphyry in the third century through Strauss and Renan in the nineteenth. His erudition is visible on almost every page, particularly with respect to the German literature, and he makes a serious attempt to understand the philosophical systems that lie behind some of the forms that 'free thought' have taken across the centuries.
The only modern work in English comparable in scope and execution to Farrar?s Critical History is William Lane Craig?s The Historical Argument for the Resurrection of Jesus During the Deist Controversy (1985). Anyone with a serious research interest in the history of apologetics needs to obtain these works.
Science in Theology: Sermons preached in St. Mary?s, Oxford, before the university. By Adam S. Farrar. Philadelphia, Smith, English & co.; New York, Sheldon & co.; [etc., etc.] 1860. 250 pp. 20 cm.
[Demonstration de l'existence de Dieu- English] A Demonstration of the Existence of God: Deduced from the knowledge of nature and more particularly from that of man. 2nd edition. London: Printed for John Murray, 1769. xxiii, 279 pp.; 14 cm. By M. de la Mothe Fenelon, Translated from the French, by Samuel Boyse.
Church of Scotland minister and university professor.
WORKS
A Vindication of the Sacred Books and of Josephus, Especially the former, from various misrepresentations and cavils of the celebrated M. de Voltaire. By Robert Findlay. Glasgow: printed by Robert and Andrew Foulis, and sold by J. Gilmour and Son, J. Barry, and the printers, 1770. xxxii,587,[1] pp.
... "The frequent cant amongst some politicians that religion and politics should never be blended, proceeds from a disbelief in the christian religion. Did they verily believe it true, this disingenuous sentiment would never be expressed. Such men convince me that it would be dangerous to trust them were they not entirely devoted to public opinion, or governed by correct habits early imposed by the force of education. I do not mean that religion should be established by government -- my ideas lead to no such a consequence; but that government should be established, and administered all over the world according to the christian principles. This however can never be the case until the christian world becomes a world of christians, which will never be as long as our very systems of education teach the youthful mind to doubt of the supernatural origin of the scriptures. I do not think that preachers ought to meddle further with politics, than to illustrate the harmony which subsists between the sublime truths of christianity, and our representative democratical form of government, in the various relations of individuals to their God, society, and themselves; shewing them that at the same time it affords the best means, and greatest security for happiness in any possible form of the social state, it gives the fairest opportunity in preparing for another and a better world.
"The best protection of religious truth by government, is to leave it free -- it will tolerate itself. And the best antidote to error, is correct education; for it is that which forms the mind. By education, I not only mean scholastic acquirements and parental teachings, but also pulpit instructions: in every case avoiding the inculcation of any thing, which, for the sake of truth must be unlearnt."
It has become the fashion of a class of writers to decry all works having for their aim to vindicate the truth of Christianity: it is considered enough to say that they emanate from Apologists.? The design would seem to be to connect with this technical word of theology a taint carried over from the meaning attached to it in its ordinary use. But an Apologist,?in the usage of the Greek authors, is simply one who stands for the defence of himself or of his cause. When Paul began his address to the mob at Jerusalem, he called on them to hear his ?Defence;?that is, as the Greek reads, his Apology.? When Agrippa gave him leave to defend himself against the charges made against him, he stretched forth his hand,?and apologized; as it is rendered in the English version, answered for himself.? It might be convenient, but it is hardly magnanimous, for the assailants of Christianity to invite its disciples to leave the field wholly to them, or to endeavor to secure this result by calling names. It is quite true that the advocates of any opinion in which the feelings are enlisted are liable to forget the obligation they are under to rid themselves of every unscientific bias, and to carry into all their reasonings the spirit of candor and uprightness. But, whatever faults on this score have been committed by some of the defenders of the faith, it can scarcely be claimed that their antagonists, as a rule, have shown a greater exemption from these partisan vices. The remark is sometimes rashly thrown out, that defences of religious truth are of no value in convincing those who read them. The contrary, as regards especially their effect on inquiring minds not steeled against persuasion, is shown by experience to be the fact. Certain it is, that from the era of Celsus and Porphyry, to the days of Voltaire and Strauss, Christian believers have felt bound to meet the challenge of disbelief, as an apostle directs, by giving a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter, iii, 15). -- 1883 edition, pp. vii-viii.
Life of Benjamin Silliman, M.D., LL.D.: late professor of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology in Yale college: chiefly from his manuscript. Volume 1. New York, 1866. 426 pp. 2 vols.
Life of Benjamin Silliman, M.D., LL.D.: late professor of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology in Yale college: chiefly from his manuscript. Volume 2 New York, 1866. 420 pp. 2 vols.
Fitzgerald, Gerald
(1739?-1819)
Academic and clergyman.
WORKS
An Essay on the Originality and Permanency of the Biblical Hebrew: with an application to the leading principle of a modern unbeliever, who denies the existence of any written word of God. By the Rev. Gerald Fitz-Gerald, Dublin: printed by George Bonham, for R. E. Mercier and Co., and G. G. and J. Robinson, London, 1796.
xxii, [2], 215, [1] pp.
The Whole Works of the Reverend Mr. John Flavel. In two volumes.
The 2nd edition carefully corrected; with larger and much more correct indexes than in the former edition. London: Printed [by T.W. and T.S.] for John Nicholson; J. and B. Sprint; A. Bell; Arthur Bettesworth; S. Cliffe and R. Ford; and S. Burroughs, 1716. 2 volumes, plates: port. Volume 1 of 2. Volume 2 of 2.
French ecclesiastical historian. Read about Fleury here.
WORKS
With Adam Clarke (1762-1832) and Bernard Lamy (1640-1715). A Short History of the Ancient Israelites, with an account of their manners, customs, laws, polity, religion, sects, arts, and trades, division of time, wars, captivities, &c. Burlington [Vt.] Published by S.C. Ustick, 1813. 301 pp. Running title: History of the ancient Israelites./ Translation of Les moeurs des Israelites. Includes biblical references. Written originally in French by the Abbé Fleury, much enlarged from the Apparatus biblicus of Père Lamy, and corrected and improved throughout, by Adam Clarke.
With Adam Clarke (1762-1832) and Bernard Lamy (1640-1715). Manners of the Ancient Israelites, ... With a Short Account of the Ancient and Modern Samaritans. Carlton & Phillips, 1852. 386 pp.: portrait; 17 cm. From the Second London Edition. Translation of Moeurs des Israelites./ Written originally in French by the Abbe Fleury. Much enlarged from the Apparatus biblicus of Pere Lamy, and corrected and improved throughout by Adam Clarke.
Flynn, John
(1880-1951)
Australian Presbyterian minister and aviator who founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the world's first air ambulance. Read about Flynn here, here, here.
Proclamation 4338 - National Day of Prayer, 1974; December 5, 1974.
Ours is a Nation built upon a belief in a Creator who has endowed all men with inalienable rights, and faith in that Creator permeates every aspect of our way of life.
With characteristically quiet eloquence, President Dwight D. Eisenhower once described the central role of religion in American life:
"Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first-the most basic-expression of Americanism. Thus the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God's help, it will continue to be."
Let us pray, each in our own way, for the strength and the will to meet the challenges that face us today with the same profound faith in God that inspired the Founders of this Nation.
Let us pray, as our Fathers prayed, for the wisdom to know God's way and the determination to follow it.
Let us pray that God will continue to bless this great and good land as abundantly in the future as He has in the past.
.In 1952 the Congress directed the President to set aside a suitable day other than a Sunday each year as a National Day of Prayer, in recognition of the profound religious faith on which America is built.
Now, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, December 18, as National Day of Prayer, 1974.
I call upon all Americans to pray that day, each after his or her own manner and convictions, for Deity's blessing on our land and for peace on earth, goodwill among all men.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-ninth.
Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, January 30th, 1975
"On the day that I suddenly became President of the United States, after all the guests had gone, I walked through some of the empty rooms on the first floor of the White House and stopped by that marble mantle in the dining room to read the words carved in it--words that were a prayer of the first President who ever occupied the White House: 'I pray to heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house, and all that shall hereafter inhabit it,' John Adams wrote. 'May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.'
"I am grateful to President Adams for leaving that message and to all who have said amen to it for nearly two centuries.
"My own prayer is for God's continued blessing and God's continued guidance for our country and all its people whose servants we in government strive to be."
Duty of Gospel Ministers, illustrated, in a sermon, preached at the ordination of the Rev. Oliver Dodge, A.B. to the pastoral care of the Catholic Reformed Church and Society, in Pomfret, February 6, 1793. Windham [Conn.]: Printed by John Byrne., United States; Connecticut; Windham, 1793. 21, [1] pp.; 18 cm. (8vo)
The Usefulness, Truth, and Excellency of the Christian Revelation defended against the objections contain'd in a late book, intitled, Christianity as old as the creation, &c. By James Foster. The third edition, corrected. London: printed for J. Noon, 1734. viii, [8], 355, [1] pp.; 80.
Atheomastix: clearing foure truthes, against atheists and infidels: 1. that there is a God, 2. that there is but one God, 3. that Jehouah, Our God, is that one God, 4. that the Holy Scripture is the word of that God: all of them proued, by naturall reasons, and secular authorities, for the reducing of infidels, and, by Scriptures, and Fathers, for the confirming of Christians. London: Printed by Nicholas Okes ..., 1622. [36], 362 [i.e. 332] pp. ; 29 cm. (fol.)
Founder of the Quakers. The Autobiography of George Fox here and here
WORKS
A Journal or historical account of the life, travels, sufferings, Christian experiences and labour of love in the work of the ministry, of that ancient, eminent and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, George Fox. The first volume. London: Printed for Thomas Northcott, in George-yard, in Lombard-street, MDCXCIV [i.e. 1694]. 25 p.l., xviii, 632 (i.e. 729), [16] pp. 31 cm.
An Answer to the speech or decalration [sic] of the great Turk, Sulton Mahomet: Which he sent to Leopold Emperor of Germany. And is a defence of the true Christian religion against the said Turks antichristian speech. And a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ. This was written, by George Fox, five years since, being 1683. And is it now a true prophesie, and fulfilled on the Great Turk Sulan Mahomet? who was removed and put out of his high throne the year 1687. With allowance. London: Printed, and sold, by A. Sowle, at the Three Keys in Nags-Head Court in Grace-Church-Street, over against the Conduit, 1688. 16 pp.
Foxe, John
(1517-1587)
Martyrologist. Learn more about Foxe here and here
Martyrologia; or, Records of religious persecution, a new and comprehensive book of martyrs compiled partly from the Acts and monuments of J. Foxe and partly from other genuine and authentic documents by J.S. Stamp [and W.H. Rule]. London : J. Mason, 1848-1851. Volume 1 of 3. Volume 2 of 3. Volume 3 of 3. Note(s): Vol. 1-2 compiled by John S. Stamp; v. 3 compiled by William Harris Rule (1802-1890). / Includes bibliographical references. Other Titles: Records of religious persecution; Book of martyrs. Responsibility: compiled partly from the Acts and monuments of John Foxe, and partly from other genuine and authentic documents, printed and in manuscript.
In treating of the martyrdom of the Apostles, we cannot but be aware that we tread on treacherous and uncertain ground, owing to the vague and contradictory statements which constantly assail us, while threading the labyrinths of ecclesiastical history. We meet with but little in which we can fully confide, except what is recorded in the books of the New Testament, and a few credible and authentic memorials of antiquity. In this case, as in others of doubt and uncertainty, difference of opinion will prevail with regard to what ought to be received, and what rejected. We might with propriety hesitate to withhold our assent to the testimony of Origen, Eusebius, Gregory Nazianzen, Jerome, Socrates, and others of more ancient date who are cited with approbation by Eusebius, and at the same time receive with considerable caution and reserve the writings of authors of a later age, unless such were satisfactorily corroborated by genuine and indisputable documents. When mercenary scribes were unhappily taken into the service of Ecclesiastics who heeded not the truth, the word of God was corrupted with impunity; fiction was resorted to; and it was not long before the arrogance and presumption of men carried even forgery and imposition to an almost incredible extent, from which none, perhaps, suffered more than the disciples and Apostles of our Lord.
That each of the Apostles, with the exception of St. John, suffered capital punishment at the command of the civil Magistrate, is a report that appears to have been regularly handed down from an early day, and has been supported by many various writers. The evidence, however, on which they rest the proof of the fact, is by no means conclusive. That Peter and Paul and James suffered thus, is established on the faith of numerous and respectable authorities; but there are several considerations which prevent our believing that their colleagues in the apostolate met with a similar fate. Heracleon, an [gnostic] author who flourished during the second century, and quoted by Clement of Alexandria,1 positively denies that Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Levi, and some others, were put to death. The Apostle Philip is left out of the category of martyrs by Polycrates, who states that he died and was buried at Hierapolis.2 Tertullian, also, who was thoroughly conversant with every part of Christian history, true as well as feigned, enumerates no more than three of the Apostles as coming within the class of martyrs; namely, Peter, Paul, and James the Elder.3 There is reason to believe, that the accounts of the martyrdom of several of the Apostles of our Lord were invented subsequently to the age of Constantine the Great. At this we are not surprised. The very great veneration and respect in which the martyrs were held in the early days of the church, will go far in accounting for the fact; and this veneration, during the tranquillity which the Emperor restored to the Christian commonwealth, attained a degree surpassing all belief. When the martyrs began to be worshipped almost like the deities of Heathenism, and to have certain honours rendered to them, which the Greeks and Romans paid to their demi-gods and heroes, it was easy to imagine that all the Apostles ought to be included in the catalogue of sufferers, lest they should appear in the estimation of the multitude, as deficient of the most distinguishing and infallible mark of sanctity and honour. This extravagant and unwarrantable proceeding may also be attributed to the ambiguity which, in those days, was attached to the term "martyr." In the Greek language it signifies any description of witness; but the meaning affixed to it by the Christians of former days implied a more eminent kind of witness, even such as testified, beyond all contradiction, that Christ was the centre of their affection and hope, by sealing the truth with their blood. The Apostles are denominated "witnesses" in the former sense, by Christ himself. (Acts i. 8.) The term has evidently no higher import annexed to it, when applied, as it afterwards is, by the Apostles themselves, in order to elucidate the nature of their functions. (Acts ii. 32.) It might, however, very easily occur, that unlearned persons, not aware of this distinction, might conceive that the word "martyr," which they discovered thus appended to the Apostles in the writings of the New Testament, was to be understood in the latter sense; consequently, they with haste adopted the opinion, that they ought to be placed in the same class with those whom the believers were accustomed to style, in the more eminent sense, martyrs.4 Those who had never been called to give this last severe proof of their faith and sincerity, but had, nevertheless, at the peril of their lives, and at the hazard of honour, fortune, and every other worldly consideration, made open profession of their belief in Christ in the face of the heathen tribunals, were distinguished by the title of "confessors." The authority aud respect which individuals of either class, whether martyrs or confessors, enjoyed during life, and the veneration in which their memory was afterwards held by contemporary Christians, were not to be credited.-- pp. 156-158.
1 Clem. Alex., Stromat, lib. iv., cap. 9.
2 Euseb., Ecclee. Hist., lib. v., cap. 24. Baronius, (Annales, tom i., ad. Ann., 35, sect. 141,) and others after him, would have us to understand Polycrates as speaking of that Philip who was one of the seven Deacons of the church at Jerusalem, and not of Philip the Apostle. But the advocates of this opinion stand confuted by Polycrates himself, who says expressly, that the Philip of whom he makes mention was one of the twelve Apostles. (Mosheim's Commentaries on the Affairs of the Christians, vol. i., p. 142. 8vo. Ed. London, 1813.
3 Tertulliani Opera. Contra Gnosricos, cap. xv., torn, i., p. 265. 8vo. Wirceb., 1780.
4 Mosheim's Commentaries, vol. i., pp. 144, 145. 8vo. Edit. London, 1813.
On the Evidences of Christianity, as they were stated and enforced in the discourses of our Lord: Comprising a connected view of the claims which Jesus advanced, of the arguments by which he supported them, and of his statements respecting the causes, progress, and consequences of infidelity / by James Clarke Franks. Other Entries: Frank's Hulsean lecture. Cambridge: Printed by J. Smith, printer to the university and sold by Messrs. Rivington, 1821. xxvi, 529, [1] pp.; 22 cm. Series: Hulsean lectures; 1821 Notes: Spine title: Frank's Hulsean lecture.
Fraser, Donald
(1755?-1820)
Apologist.
WORKS
A Collection of select biography: or, The bulwark of truth being a sketch of the lives and testimonies of many eminent laymen, in different countries, who have professed their belief in, and attachment to the Christian religion -- whether distinguished as statesmen, patriots, philosophers, &c.: -- to which are prefixed two letters to Thomas Paine, containing some important queries and remarks relative to the probable tendency of his Age of Reason. New-York: Printed for the author at the Literary Printing-office, 1798. vi, [2], 255, [9] pp.; 17 cm.
Fraser, John
(fl. 21st century)
American missionary to Hungary. Read more about Fraser and his ministry here. The Missionary Journey blog here.
Frayssinous, M. D. / Denis-Antoine-Luc, comte de Frayssinous
(1765-1841)
French statesman. Read more about Frayssinous here.
WORKS
John Benjamin Jones, translator. A Defence of Christianity, or, conferences on religion: being a translation of Défense du christianisme, ou, Conférences sur la religion / par M. D. Frayssinous; by John Benjamin Jones. Publisher: London: Rivington, 1836. xx, 457 pp.; 23 cm.
Fruchtenbaum, Arnold
(1943- )
Messianic apologist. Read more about Fruchtenbaum here.
WORKS
Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament prophecy concerning the first coming of the Messiah. Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998. 166 pp.: ill.; 28 cm. Buy this book here.
The Gospel Its Own Witness; or, The holy nature and divine harmony of the Christian religion contrasted with the immorality and absurdity of deism. Philadelphia: Printed by Charles Cist, 1805. 300 pp.; 18 cm.
Three Occassional Sermons. I. On the common salvation. II. The good man's desire for the success of God's cause. III. The object and encouragement of believers in praying for spiritual might. To which are added two letters, on the sickness and death of a Christian friend. Philadelphia: Printed by Charles Cist, 1805. 25 pp. 20 cm.
Three Queries to Deists. Augusta [Me.] : Printed by Peter Edes, [1805] 12 pp. Tract published by the Lincoln and Kennebec Religious Tract Society; no. 5.
