Author: Sykes, Arthur Ashley
Title: An Essay Upon The Truth Of The Christian Religion: Wherein Its Real Foundation Upon The Old Testament Is Shewn. Occasioned By The Discourse Of The Grounds And Reasons Of The Christian Religion
Description: Printed for James And John Knapton, at the Crown in St Paul's Church-yard., 1725, 1st edition. Dissbound, G. x+[6]+304pp, faint water tide mark across the entire upper half of the text block, lacks both boards but spine, although very worn, is present, a fair copy. Disbound , no dustjacket. ¶ Scarce text by Arthur Ashley Sykes [ 1684 - 1756 ] Latitudinarian Divine & Controverisalist, of the School of Hoadly. 'His whole life', writes a critic in the 'Monthly Review', 'was a warfare of the pen'. He was sent a packet of the religious writings of Isaac Newton upon the scientists death, the intention being that Sykes should edit them for publications, but his own death prevented this. The 'Discourse Of The Grounds And Reasons Of The Christian Religion' which prompted this reply from Sykes was by Anthony Collins [ 1679 - 1729 ]. Collins' book prompted many replies - he had tried to claim that the events of the New Testament were not prophesised in the Old, and to prove that the fulfilment of prophecy by the events of Christ's life is all 'secondary, secret, allegorical, and mystical'.

Keywords: new testament, theology, religion, christianity, prophecy, religious controversy