[Leslie, Charles]. A Short and Easy Method with the Deists wherein the Certainty of the Christian Religion is Demonstrated, by Infallible Proof [sic]; From Four Rules, which are incompatible to any Imposture that ever yet has been, or that can possibly be. In a Letter to a Friend. Windsor, (Vt.): Printed by T. M. Pomroy, 1812. First American, from the Eighth London Edition. [10498]
Full calf in good condition, edges rubbed but no cracks or damage, 7 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches, contemporary church bookplate, 168 relatively clean pp., tight. Very good. Hardcover.
Contains A Short and Easy Method, pp. 1-42; A Discourse concerning Episcopacy, pp. 43-134; The Epistle of St. Ignatius to the Trallians, pp. 135-139; The Speech of Mr. John Checkley, Upon his Trial at Boston in New England, for publishing "The short and easy Method with the Deists" ...&c. (1724).
The Short and Easy Method is an excellent apologetic. It posits four rules: 1. That matter of fact be such, as that men's outward senses may be judges of it; 2. That it be done publicaly; 3. That public monuments and actions are kept in memory of it; and 4. That such monuments and actions began at the time that the matter of fact was done. He then uses these rules to establish the truth of the Christian religion.
Charles Leslie (1650?-1722), “a native of Ireland, second son of Dr. John Leslie, Bishop of Clogher, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin; entered himself in the Temple at London, 1671; admitted into holy orders, 1680; Chancellor of the Cathedral of Connor, 1687; refused to take the oaths to William and Mary, and applied himself to theological and political controversy, on which subject he published many treatises. He...endeavored by his writings to promote the cause of the banished Stuarts, and resided abroad with the Pretender from 1713 to ’21.” – Allibone.
"Bayle styles him a man of great merit and learning...Salmon observes that his works must transmit him to posterity as a man thoroughly learned and truly pious. Dr. Hickes says that he made more converts to a sound faith and holy life than any man of the age in which he lived; that his consummate learning, attended by the lowest humility, the strictest piety without the least tincture of narrowness, a conversation to the last degree lively and spirited, yet to the last degree innocent, made him the delight of mankind." - M'Clintock & Strong.
