Item #19101 Lectures on Ultra-Universalism . . . Fourth Edition, with Improvements. Universalism, A. Wilson McClure, Satire.

Lectures on Ultra-Universalism . . . Fourth Edition, with Improvements.

Boston: Published by Crocker & Brewster, 1838. Stated fourth edition. 12mo, original ribbon-embossed purple cloth, printed yellow paper label to the upper board, 126 pages. Spine and board edges somewhat sunned and faded; a little light spotting and soiling, with some scattered light foxing; a very good copy. Item #19101

"Universalist preachers are *vulgar.* Their coarse habits, their cultivated scurrility, their groveling tastes, their deficient education, and above all--their corrupting doctrine, associate them with all that is distressingly low, and humiliating to human nature. . . . The sham-patriot, the quack-doctor, and the Universalist preacher, form a fit triumvirate of those who have disgraced professions of the highest consequence to the community." One of the great works of New England orthodox calumny, a series of burlesque lectures on Universalism; first published in 1832, Wilson notes here in his prefatory Advertisement to the Fourth Edition, "In regard to Universalism, it is unwise to controvert it before congregations where it is little known. In places where it attempts to raise its standard for the first time, it is best to let it alone. . . . But where it appears to muster strength, and by its insolence and calumnies acquires a wicked popularity, and threatens destruction to society, and death to the souls of men,--there the Author humbly deems that a different course is called for. It will not be enough merely to stand in defence of the truth; the war must be carried into the enemy's territory. Let the minister boldly rush into the monster's den, and drag it forth into the light, and strip it bare, and rend it asunder, and turn it inside out, and show it as it is, in all its native deformity." With an early lengthy note in pencil on the front free endpaper, critical of McClure's approach if not of his theology. American Imprints 52382.

Price: $150.00