1797 - MASSACHUSETTS CONGREGATIONALISM - AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION REV. TAPPAN

TAPPAN, David
A Sermon, Delivered before the Annual Convention of the Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts, in Boston, June 1, 1797.
Boston: Samuel Hall, 1797. First edition. [2], 39, [1] pp. Removed from a bound volume, trimmed at margins by binder. Original stitch-sewn gathering. Partial contemporary presentation inscription reading "From the Aut[hor]" (trimmed). Tappan was Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard College, and this Convention sermon offers important insight into the state of New England religious thought in the early national period. The sermon specifically addresses education and preparation for the ministry, reflecting Tappan's role at Harvard.
Evans 32907. Major themes include ministerial education, religious authority, and the relationship between civil and religious institutions in the new republic. Light toning and occasional foxing, but generally clean. Despite being removed from a bound volume, a good example of this important sermon with evidence of having been the author's own presentation copy.

Keywords: Harvard College, New England clergy, ministerial education, presentation copies, early American sermons, Congregationalism, religious education, Convention sermons