The Christian Observer was one of the most significant evangelical publications of the early and mid-nineteenth century. Being published from 1802 to 1874, it was founded as a voice for the Clapham Sect and the evangelicals. It was Josiah Pratt who originally called for the periodical’s birth at a meeting of the Eclectic Society in 1799. The Eclectic Society had for its members John Newton, Richard Cecil, Thomas Scott, etc., and was also pivotal in the formation of the Church Missionary Society.

It reads like a who’s who of the day, with contributions ranging from John Newton and William Wilberforce to Charles Bridges, John Venn, Daniel Wilson, and more. Incredible content and a pivotal publication in Church history.

THE CHRISTIAN OBSERVER, CONDUCTED BY MEMBERS OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH. FOR THE YEAR 1803. From the London Edition. Boston. Thomas B. Wait and Sons. 1803. 802pp.

Contents include:

*Account of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge’s work in the East Indies

*An Exposition of the 50^th Psalm

*History of Ignatius and His Writings [series]

*On the Nature, Ends, and Obligations of Fasting

*Reports of the Mission of the Moravians / United Brethren to the Hottentots and the Esquimaux . . . Plus work among the negroes of St. Thomas, St. Croix, etc. [series]

*Mr. Carey and His Translation of the New Testament at Bengal

*Reflections on Revelation xiii.8 “The Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world.”

*On Censuring the Received Translation of the Bible

*Fascinating article on other early reformers’ views of John Calvin as a person and theologically.

*The Opinions of Calvin and Arminius on Justification

*On Baptism

*Account of 200 Natives of India, some Muslims and some Idolaters, who together cast aside their religions and sent for William Carey and company to come tell them about Jesus. Powerful incident.

*Missions in Tahiti and Jamaica

*On the Religious Affections [a clear nod to Jonathan Edwards]

*Previously unpublished letter between two great awakening divines, Samuel Walker of Truro to Thomas Adam.

*Several mentions, with some detail, recounting William Wilberforce’s work in Parliament at the time [this was an important year in the quest for abolition].

*Repeated and ongoing content regarding the present state of the slave-trade, the horrors of slavery, and the work for abolition.

*On the Connection between Repentance and Religious Joy

*Remarks on a Defect Observed in Popular Preachers [Easy-Believism / Antinomianism, etc.]

*An Instance of Simple Dependence on the Promises of God

*Extensive Report of the Baptist Missionary Society

*Opinions of the Quakers Respecting War

*Thoughts on the Practice of Duelling

*Calvinism and Anti-Calvinism in the Church of England

*The Danger Arising from National Sins.

Etc. etc. etc.

Very attractive half leather; stained at head of spine as shown, but attractive, solid and clean. A nice copy of a great publication.