315, 316.

For Melanchthon's argument, see his Initia in Opera, vol.iii, Halle, 1846.
These epithets can hardly be classed with civilized weapons.

They are burning arrows; they set fire to masses of popular prejudice, always obscuring the real question, sometimes destroying the attacking party.
They are poisoned weapons.

They pierce the hearts of loving women; they alienate dear children; they injure a man after life is ended, for they leave poisoned wounds in the hearts of those who loved him best--fears for his eternal salvation, dread of the Divine wrath upon him.

Of course, in these days these weapons, though often effective in vexing good men and in scaring good women, are somewhat blunted; indeed, they not infrequently injure the assailants more than the assailed.