Six Discourses on the Miracles of Our Saviour, and Defences of His Discourses

In the early eighteenth century, a learned Cambridge graduate found himself at the centre of a fierce theological dispute. His pamphlets questioning the literal nature of Christ’s miracles had drawn the ire of church authorities, leading to a courtroom trial that threatened his reputation and livelihood. In this work he addresses the Bishop of London directly, pleading for a fair judgment while laying out the reasoning behind his earlier arguments. The tone is a mix of scholarly rigor, personal appeal, and sharp critique of the prevailing religious orthodoxies.

The text reads like a calm yet determined defence, weaving biblical exegesis with references to classical philosophy. Woolston systematically challenges the conventional interpretation of miracles, proposing that they be understood as allegorical or moral lessons rather than supernatural feats. Listeners will hear a vivid portrait of early Enlightenment thought, where faith, reason, and the politics of the pulpit collide. The first act sets the stage for a broader conversation about the limits of doctrinal authority without revealing how the controversy ultimately unfolds.