"Notwithstanding the ambiguity of its title, and the fact that it attacked the priests of all churches without moderation, it contended that Freethinking is a right which cannot and must not be limited, because it is the only means of attaining to a knowledge of truth, it essentially contributes to the well-being of society, and it is not only permitted but enjoined by the Bible. In fact, the first introduction of Christianity and the success of all missionary enterprise involve freethinking (in its etymological sense) on the part of those converted.
In England, this essay, though it expressed views generally accepted by every Protestant, was regarded and treated as a plea for Deism, and made a great sensation. It elicited a number of responses, including those from William Whiston, Bishop Hare, and Bishop Benjamin Hoadly. Richard Bentley, under the signature of "Phileleutherus Lipsiensis," attacked certain arguments carelessly expressed by Collins, chiefly criticizing trivial points of scholarship; the arguments in his own pamphlet contained similar flaws. Jonathan Swift, being satirically referred to in the book, made it the subject of a caricature."
Source: "Anthony Collins." New World Encyclopedia. 3 Apr 2008, 17:42 UTC. 13 Dec 2008, 16:17 .