Rather scarce pair of sermons, the first on pastoral concern for the increase in America for the love of wealth, luxury, etc., The second pertains an oft-forgotten crisis that emerged during the Presidency of George Washington [discussed at length in the present discourse] and continued under John Adams, i.e. The Quasi-War.

The Quasi-War, 1798-1800, was an undeclared War fought between France and America fought from the Caribbean up along the East Coast of the United States. The conflict was the culmination of tensions that began when America suspended repayment of French Loans 1793. The French were already disappointed at America's support of them in the West Indies [Caribbean], promised in the treaty of 1778. The withholding of finances was the last straw. Though a formal "war" was never declared, Congress did approve formal hostilities against France and the naval battles were expansive.

Much of the content of the sermon revolves around countering French propaganda which had people questioning their young government. He enforces patriotism as a spiritual duty, and defends in detail the actions of George Washington in his dealings with the French. 

A fascinating historical work.

M'Keen, Joseph. Minister of the first Parish in Beverly [Mass.]. Two Discourses, Delivered at Beverly, on the Day of the National Fast, May 9, 1798. Printed by Thomas C. Cushing, Essex Street. Salem. 1798. 31pp.

Good to good -. Removed from a sammelband at some point, half title present, small hole in half title, else textually good and clean with only light handling. Structurally tender.