A Sermon by an Expelled Anglican Antinomian, Issued by America's Greatest Poorly Educated Printer

THE TRIAL OF SPIRITS, BOTH IN TEACHERS AND HEARERS. WHEREIN IS HELD FORTH THE CLEAR DISCOVERY, AND CERTAIN DOWNFAL[L], OF THE CARNAL AND ANTI-CHRISTIAN CLERGY OF THESE NATIONS.

(FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN, PRINTED BY). DELL, WILLIAM.

(Philadelphia: Re-printed by B[enjamin]. Franklin and D[avid]. Hall, 1760). 173 x 116 mm. (6 7/8 x 4 5/8"). 55 pp.

Early 20th century half calf over marbled paper boards, two raised bands, vertical lettering on red morocco label, Miller 726; Evans 8578. Joints and corners with significant rubbing, leaves gently washed and pressed and a shade less than bright (but not browned), margins trimmed rather close, occasionally grazing running headline, final four leaves with neat repairs to lower third of gutter margins, other trivial defects, but still an attractive copy (especially compared to other mid-18th century American imprints), being clean and crisp internally, and in a solid binding.

Originally preached by the Anglican master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, this sermon dismisses the need for a minister of God to have a university education; it was embraced by the Quakers, whose founder George Fox received little to no formal schooling, and, most important for us, was issued in our 1760 Philadelphia edition by the printing firm founded by Benjamin Franklin--whose own formal education ended when he was 10. William Dell (d. 1669) here denounces as false prophets those Masters of Arts and Doctors of Divinity who claimed to know more about salvation than the ordinary faithful Christian, contrasting "Carnal Clergy" with "Spiritual Christians." Dell's antinomian views--he opposed such established norms as manditory uniformity of worship--got him expelled from the Anglican ministry. However, DNB notes that "his influence lasted more than a century after his death, though ironically among Quakers rather than the heirs of the Independents with whom he was most closely associated." Miller observes that ordering a reprint of Dell's sermon "did not enjoy the full support" of the Philadephia Society of Friends; after several months' debate, it was agreed that the project would be funded by private subscription. According to Waldstreicher, Franklin (1706-90) maintained a "lifelong friendship with Quaker politicians, merchants and scientists. . . . He admired Quakerism because of its affirmation of simplicity, frugality, anti-slavery and humanitarianism." Franklin also saw the possibility of profit in printing for the considerable Quaker population of his colony, and established a close relationship with the Overseers of the Press on behalf of the Society of Friends. Hall (1714-72) came to Philadelphia from London in 1744 to work for Franklin, and became a partner in the firm in 1748. As a considerable mark of his regard for Hall, Franklin drew up a contract whereby his partner would, over an 18-year period, buy him out. It is a further sign of Franklin's regard for Hall that the printer is buried beside Franklin and his wife. (CBJ2602)

Price: $1,900.00