Mather, Samuel:

AN APOLOGY FOR THE LIBERTIES OF THE CHURCHES IN NEW ENGLAND: TO WHICH IS PREFIX'D, A DISCOURSE CONCERNING CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. BY...PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN BOSTON, NEW ENGLAND.

Boston: T. Fleet, for Daniel Henchman, 1738. Modern marbled wrappers, with original gilt-lettered morocco spine title laid down. [8], ix, [1 blank], [errata leaf], [1 blank], 116 [i.e., 216] pp, as issued. Attractive type ornamentation. 1738 inscription in ink at head of title. Light foxing. Very Good.

Mather argues for "the Royal Favour and Protection in the undisturb'd Enjoyment of the Liberties of our Churches and Schools." His Preface, in the form of a dedication to "Mr. Holden, one of the Directors of the Bank of England, at London," emphasizes "that it would by no Means do well for [the King] to take away from the People of New-England any of their Privileges," which were "confirm'd unto them by the Charter, which was granted to this Province by King William and Queen Mary of glorious and immortal Memory."
Mather explains the governing principles of New England's Congregational churches, and their differences with-- and advantages over-- the "National churches in various Kingdoms and Countries, with an Uniformity of Doctrine and of Discipline." Those national churches require "the Aid of the secular Powers," but the Congregational way is independent of them.
FIRST EDITION. Evans 4275. Holmes, Minor Mathers 60 [reproducing the title page at page 113]. Brinley Sale 1323. ESTC W37808. Item #38719

Price: $850.00