A VIEw of the

DEISTICAL WRITERS, Sc.

In ſeveral LErTERS to a FRIENDp.

LETTER II.

Some account of tboſe that firſt took upon them tbe name of Deiſts. Lord Herbert of Cherbury, one of the moſt eminent deiſlical writers that appeared in England in tbe laſt age. His attempt to form Deiſm into a Syſtem. Obſervations upon bis ſcheme, and upon the five prin- ciples in wobich be makes all religion to conſiſt. It is Hexon that ibe Lnowlege of tbem was very imperfegᷣt and defective in ibe beatben world; and tbat a revelation from God for clearing and confirming iboſe imporiant Principles migbt be of great advantage.

Dear Sir,

NOW enter upon the taſle you have enjoined me, the giving ſome account of the principal Deiſtical writers that have appeared among us for above a century paſt. The reaſons given by you, and other judicious friends, have convinced me that ſuch a work might be of uſe, if properly executed; we only differed as to the fitneſs of the perſon that was to execute it. My objections have been over-ruled; I muſt therefore ſet about it as well as I can: and if Iwere ſure that otkers would look upon this attempt with the ſame favourable eye, that your candour and friendſhip for me will incline you to do, I ſhould be in no great pain about the ſucceſs of it.

VoL. I. B The