Churches Quarrel Espoused: or A reply
Item #84343
WISE, John. The Churches Quarrel Espoused: or A reply in satyre, to certain proposals made, in answer to this question, What further steps are to be taken, that the councils may have due constitution and efficacy in supporting, preserving, and well-ordering the interest of the churches in the country. [4], 116pp. Testimonial leaf facing the title. 12mo. Boston: Reprinted: Sold by Nicholas Boone, at the Sign of the Bible in Cornhill, 1715. Second edition. Contemporary calf, covers ruled in blind, printer's waste on the pastedowns, minor wear. Provenance: John Bailey (signature on title). ESTC W5306; Evans 1795; Sabin 104897; Howes W594, "aa." DAB XX, p.427. . Second edition, after the virtually unobtainable first New York edition of 1713. The present work was issued in response to an attempt by the Mathers and others to initiate a movement to establish associations of clergy to exercise functions usually left up to individual churches. Wise has since been called the "first great American democrat" due to his argument that the ultimate power of the churches should rest with the congregation and not with their ministers or an association of ministers: "The People...are the first Subject of Power...a Democracy in Church or State is a very honourable Government.". "The most authoritative defense of Congregationalist polity, recognized as such even in law courts" (Howes). The work would be re-published in 1772.. The printer's waste on the pastedowns would appear to be from a Travis almanack for 1715 (Boston:B. Green, 1714).
Price: $5,000.00