[6], 7 [i.e. 27], [3], iv, vi, 36, [2], 40, [2], 26 pp. [A]-I4 (with A1 & I4 apparently blanks used as the pastedowns). (8vo) 16x10 cm. (6¼x3¾"), period sheep. First Edition.
Benjamin Colman (1673-1747), one of the prominent clergymen of his day, became the first pastor of Boston's Brattle Street Church in 1699. A prolific author with more than ninety published titles to his credit, he was a supporter of the evangelical movement stirred by the Great Awakening, and was at times at odds with Increase and Cotton Mather over certain of his views that deviated from strict Congregationalism. He had B.A. and A.M. degrees from Harvard. Each part of the present work has a special title-page and separate paging and partially separate signatures. Evans 2324. The title-page to the final part ("Nothing But the Truth"), leaf F2, with about a third torn away, affecting the title but not the imprint. The lower 2" of the last leaf of the first part (E2) clipped off not affecting any text. De-accessioned from the Pacific School of Religion, with bookplate, rear endpaper pocket, label on front cover; The "Date Due" slip is glued to the margin of the final text page, but not covering the text itself. Ownership signature of Isaacus Townsend, dated 1734, to top of title-page, with his name elsewhere as well, and there are a few contemporary notes, likely by him..
Condition:
Some staining to covers; some darkening, foxing, soiling and mostly marginal staining within, small burnhole to leaf D4; still very good, a rare colonial imprint.