John Leland, D.D., 1691–1766, a Presbyterian minister, settled in Dublin, is distinguished as a writer of apologetics. Some of his works in defence of Christianity are considered as among the best that have ever been written. The following are the chief: “A Defence of Christianity,” in answer to Tindal; “The Divine Authority of the Old and New Testament Asserted,” in answer to Morgan; “Remarks on Christianity not Founded on Argument,” in answer to Dodwell; “Remarks on Bolingbroke’s Letters on the Study and Use of History;” “A View of the Deistical Writers,” “The Advantage and Necessity of the Christian Revelation,” etc. Leland’s “View of the Deistical Writers” is especially celebrated.

General

  Every one who wishes to make himself master of the Deistical controversy will carefully study Leland’s “Divine Authority of the Old and New Testament” and his “View of the Deistical Writers;” yet Leland’s greatest and most useful work is his “Necessity and Advantages of the Christian Revelation.” He who desires to know the full value of the Bible should above all things study this book. It contains the latest and maturest thoughts of the very able author.

  Leland’s “Advantages and Necessity of the Christian Revelation” is a work full of information as to the state of religion among the Heathen. His other works in defence of religion are useful…. An able champion of the Christian faith.

  His “View of the Deistical Writers” (1754), a brief work written in a spirit of praiseworthy moderation, is still a textbook for students of divinity. His great work, “On the Advantage and Necessity of a Christian Revelation” (1764), is long since forgotten.

  Is [“View of the Deistical Writers”] a solid and valuable treatise, and is still regarded as one of the best confutations of infidelity.

  The question raised by such books as Leland’s is how such writing can ever have been popular.