The Evidences of the Christian Religion: With Additional Discourses on the Being and Attributes of God, and the Other Important Doctrines of Natural and Revealed Religion

Glasgow: Robert Urie, 1759. Fifth edition enlarged. Hardcover. g to vg. 12mo (7 x 4 1/4"). XXIV, 25-311 [ie 310]pp. Contemporary full calf, with gold lettering and ruling to spine. Raised bands.

"Although he was a celebrated playwright during the 18th century, modern English speakers remember Joseph Addison for his perfection of the English essay as a genre in his magazine "The Spectator." "The Spectator" would publish short papers on philosophical, theological, or other topics meant to start lively discussions among its readership.

Joseph Addison left "The Evidences of the Christian Religion," along with other essays, unfinished (truncated) upon his death. What he did complete, however, addresses some of the very same topics other theologians and philosophers had addressed.

Addison describes the attributes of God as derived from rational argumentation, he promotes the praise of God, and finally, he defends the authority of Scripture and the immortality of the soul from the popular deistic philosophies of his day." (For more information, see: Kathleen O'Bannon in "Christian Classics Ethereal Library").

Binding rubbed along edges. Head of spine slightly chipped. Ex-Library copy, with stamp on inside of front cover and at top and bottom paper edges. Offsetting and minor foxing to very first and very last leaves. Contemporary previous owner's name in ink at upper margin of title page (not affecting lettering). Front board separated but present and still attached by threads. Binding in overall good- to good, interior in very good condition. (Inventory #: 42300)