8vo. Two volumes bound as one. vii, [1], 180; [2], 155pp, [1]. Contemporary gilt-tooled tree-calf, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece. Extremities rubbed, some surface loss to boards, loss to lettering-piece. Inked ownership inscription of Richard Bent, Stretham to FEP, contemporary ownership inscription of Brackenburg to head of title page, occasional light spotting.

The first edition of an apologetic defending the veracity of the gospels by Professor of Moral Philosophy in Marischal College, Aberdeen, James Beattie (1735-1803). As the author states in his introductory remarks: 'In defence of Christianity many excellent books have been written; by Grotius, Clarke, Locke, Lardner, Butler, West, Lyttelton, Sherlock, and others, whose integrity and learning will not be called in question. The design of this little work is, not to supersede as unnecessary, but to recommend, and serve as an introduction to, the perusal of those great authors; by showing as plainly, and as briefly, as I can, to every candid reader, and especially to the young, that the evidence of this religion is at least strong enough to merit attention and deliberate inquiry'.