THE first and second edition of this work having met with a rapid sale in America, the editor has been induced to offer this third edition to the British public, with a most ardent desire that it may serve to strengthen the great cause of moral virtue, and extend, in some small degree, the empire of human happiness and felicity. The establishment of theological systems, claiming divine origin, has been among the most destructive causes by which the life of man has been afflicted. History furnishes an awful picture of the sad and fatal effects of fanaticism among the nations of the earth; but history furnishes only the exterior; there is a deeper internal wound, which superstition has inflicted in the bosom of society, subver sive of all moral sympathy and the fairest traits in the character of man. The sincerity with which many up right minds are attached to the Christian religion, can form no substantial objection against an unqualified investigation into its truth or falsehood. If it be founded in truth, it will stand the test of every examination—it will stand the test of all future ages, and become immortal. It is a point of justice to observe, that this work has been written under the misfortune and embarrassment of a total loss of sight. This, in the estimation of candid minds, will form at least a partial apology for verbal