OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, BY MR. CHARLES LESLIE. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS SHORT AND EASY METHOD WITH THE DEISTS, IN A LETTER TO A FRIEND. INTRODUCTION TO THE be METHOD WITH THE DEISTS. THE controversy between Deists and Christians, is not so much respecting the morality or ethics of the gospel, (for honest Deists admit its precepts to pure, and of real importance to the well being of society) as it is a dispute concerning the integrity and validity of the BIBLE itself. Christians know it! to be an inspired book, because, besides its other evidences, it has "demonstration and power." But Infidels imagine it a delusive forgery, imposed upon the credulity of Christians, by the craft of designing men. The validity of the BIBI.E, being therefore, the chief matter at issue, the force of the following arguments of Leslie, supported (for this occasion) by notes, chiefly from Fletcher, are purposely limited to that kind of appeal to the understanding of unbelievers, which will best encounter and subdue their unbelief and prejudices. The excellence of the moral and perceptive part of the gospel, is comparatively an easier task to prove. Its beneficial, and even purifying tendency, has been already conceded in a very remarkable manner, by |