8vo. vii, [1], 140pp. With a half-title. Uncut, stitched as issued in original publisher's blue wrappers. Title in manuscript to upper cover, wrappers creased, substantial loss to spine panel. Internally clean and crisp.

The sole edition, in original state, of a scarce essay by Roman Catholic apologist Francis Eyre (c.1732-1804) critiquing the acts of pre-Christian peoples repugnant to moral virtue and decency (including gladiatorial combat, inhumanity towards slaves, and extravagant idolatry). The author proceeds to decry the persecution suffered by Christian martyrs and more broadly defend the faith from contemporary anti-Christian writing, in particular the panegyrics of Voltaire, concluding with a celebration of the pious fortitude displayed by the French clergy victimised during the Revolution.

ESTC records copies at six locations in the British Isles (Aberdeen, BL, Cambridge, Durham, Society of Jesus, and University College), and a further three worldwide (California, McMaster, and NLA).