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ADVERTISEMENT.

THE SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, in presenting this publication to the Christian community, deems it necessary to state the objects contemplated in the formation of said association. The persons who compose it will be a sufficient guarantee, that we aim neither at pecuniary aggrandizement, nor the advancement of any Sectarian projects. It is our desire to devote our feeble exertions to the promotion of those general interests of Christ's religion, in which we can all take a part. This society is founded upon the principle, that if the Bible be a Divine Revelation, it ought not to shun the light, or avoid an investigation of the grounds upon which we receive it. We wish to carry that principle into practice, by bringing before the community, the evidences upon which we receive the sacred Scriptures as the word of God. We are deeply convinced that such information is needed, particularly to guard the rising generation against the pernicious principles to which they are exposed. We consider it a misfortune, that in the religious education of our youth, sufficient pains are not taken to make them acquainted with the reasons, upon which they are required to receive the Gospel. They are thus unprepared to meet the objections which may be urged against it; and feeling, perhaps, that the restraints of religion do not accord with their inclinations, they are induced to listen to these objections, and from the want of proper information, have been, in too many instances, led from the faith once delivered to the saints. In a mixed community like that in which we live, every parent has reason for apprehension, and must wish for those means, which may be calculated to fortify his children against temptation, and keep them from forsaking the worship of their Fathers' God. In the multiplicity of institutions, which have been formed for purposes of Christian benevolence, we know of none, which directly contemplates this object; and it is our purpose to occupy this field, believing that a judicious selection of works, on the evidences of Christianity, and on the first principles of Protesta..tism, will be highly useful in strengthening the faith of believers, and of preventing many a one from being led away from the truth, as it is in Jesus Christ. It is not our intention to engage in controversy, but to act on the defensive in protecting the Temple of our God from the assaults of its enemies. Our objects are general, and we therefore feel a confidence in asking the support of Christians of all denominations.

FOR

THE BIBLE,

IN A

SERIES OF LETTERS,

ADDRESSED TO

THOMAS PAINE,

AUTHOR OF THE BOOK ENTITLED

THE AGE OF REASON, PART THE SECOND,

BEING

AN INVESTIGATION

OF

TRUE AND FABULOUS THEOLOGY.

BY R. WATSON, DD. F.R.S.

LORD BISHOP OF LANDAFF, AND REGIUS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.

New-York:

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY For the DIFFUSION OF

CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.