Thacher, Peter:

OBSERVATIONS UPON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CLERGY OF NEW-ENGLAND, WITH STRICTURES UPON THE POWER OF DISMISSING THEM, USURPED BY SOME CHURCHES. BY PETER THATCHER [sic], A.M. PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN MALDEN.

Boston: Norman & White, 1783. 15, [1 blank] pp. Modern paper wrappers. Trimmed contemporary ownership inscription on titlepage. Margins trimmed closely, but not taking text, light scattered spotting. Good+.

Thacher's pamphlet advocates due process and fairness in religious institutions. He observes, "The first planters of New-England" were "jealous of entrusting their ministers with a power which had no controul, or of giving them an influence which might in time grow up to such a power. They made them dependent upon the people, not only for their first election, but also for their after support."
Certainly, Thacher concedes, Clergy ought not be treated as a privileged elite; but he worries that the Revolution, especially with the depreciation wrought in the value of paper currency, "has been peculiarly unfortunate for the clergy. The people, having emancipated themselves from the British government, have been too ready to suppose that their declaration and authority were sufficient to dissolve the most solemn engagements, and that the people could do no wrong."
Especially because many clergymen are impoverished, Thacher opposes congregations' power to dismiss them without trial or hearing: "It is highly dangerous to the interests of religion, to have such a power lodged in the hands of the people, because it gives them an opportunity of persecuting or revenging themselves upon their ministers, for the conscientious performance of their duty." He urges decision by a neutral body in disputes between a congregation and its minister.
Evans 18206. ESTC W21362. Item #38431

Price: $350.00