One of the oddest productions regarding abolition on the run up to the Civil War. Van Dyke, a noted Presbyterian divine, argues not only that the character of abolitionism was extreme and at times un-Christian, a position held by many, but that abolition itself was a blasphemy, since slavery itself was instituted in Scripture and promoted, blessed, and regulated through the Bible. He just sort of goes "all in." 

The work was widely distributed. Whether it was because "people like crazy," or because it provided some religious folk a source of authority to remain neutral, we do not know. Likely it was a mix of both. 

Van Dyke, Henry J. The Character and Influence of Abolitionism. A Sermon Preached in the First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, on Sabbath Evening, December 9th, 1860. New York. D. Appleton and Company. 1860. 38pp. 

The present copy belonged to J Myers-Briggs and is nicely preserved. Side stitched with title and lithographed D. Appleton rear cover. Some light stains as shown. Very solid and usable.