A SERMON PREACHED IN THE AUDIENCE OF HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM SHIRLEY, ESQ; CAPTAIN GENERAL, GOVERNOUR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF, THE HONOURABLE HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL, AND THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, OF THE PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, IN NEW ENGLAND MAY 29, 1754. BEING THE ANNIVERSARY FOR THE ELECTION OF HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCIL FOR THE PROVINCE.
Boston: N.E. Samuel Kneeland, Printer to the Honourable House of Representatives, 1754. First Edition. Stitched Pamphlet. Original stitched pamphlet (8 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in.), Bears the embossed blindstamp of the New England Historical Genealogical Society. Lacks half-title and final leaf (50 pp. out of 52 pp. present). Some dampstaining, corner fraying and general toning throughout. Woman's name (Caroline?) in period ink to bottom of page and a double line of inked dots (pen trials) to last page (50) of extant text. Fair. Item #87817
"...We have heard their threats, and insolent menaces; we have seen their more insolent behaviour. ...We are peaceably extending our settlements upon our own territories; they are extending theirs beyong their own, by force of arms. We must meet at length; which cannot be without a violent conc(l)usion: and the time seems not to be far off... Do I see the motley armies of French and painted Salvages, taking our fortresses, and erecting their own, even in our capital towns and cities! Do I behold them spreading desolation thro' the land ! Do I see the slaves of Lewis with their Indian allies, dispossessing the free born subjects of King George, of the inheritance received from their forefathers...Do I see christianity banished for popery! the bible, for the mass-book! the oracles of truth, for fabulous legends!
"...Instead of a train of Christ's faithful, laborious ministers, do I behold an herd of lazy Monks, and Jesuits, and Exorcists, and Inquisitors, and cowled, and uncowled Imposters! Do I see a protestant, there, stealing a look at his bible, and being taken in the fact, punished like a felon!...And in fine, do I hear the miserable sufferers (those of them that survive) bitterly accusing the negligence of the public Guardians...O dishonest! profane! excreble sight! O piercing sound! that entereth into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath..." (pp. 37-39).
Price: $225.00