Sunday Police from the Boston Patriot; and Essays on the Observance of a Sabbath by Unknown - 1822

Philadelphia: Joseph Rakestraw (tract 2), 1822. Hardcover. Very Good. Hardcover. 35153. Second tract published by Joseph Rakestraw. RARE AMERICANA. This volume includes two tracts written in 1820 and 1822 that provide an engrossing account of an important debate of the day on whether the Bible requires the observance of the Sabbath and, if so, whether it is proper for a civil government to enforce this observance. Tract one reprints the text of an essay appearing in the Boston Patriot that holds the position that the enforcement of the Sabbath is "not warrantable from Scripture." It is followed by two responses in disagreement. The second tract of essays on the Sabbath's observance first reprints the Boston Patriot essay, and then prints several essays for and against the position of the writer in the Boston Patriot. Both tracts are in very good condition, with aging and some foxing. The front and rear pages of tract two are more heavily foxed. There is also foxing to the front and rear pastedowns. In a later black cloth binding with very light bumping and rubbing and the gilt title "Sunday Police" to front board. Tract one: 36 pages; tract two: 48 pages. 12mo. Black cloth boards with gilt title to front board. AMHIST/022609.