Tappan, David. A Sermon Delivered before the Annual Convention of the Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts, in Boston, June 1, 1797. Boston. Samuel Hall. 1797. 32pp.

Very interesting sermon from early in the post-American Revolution era where the United States was attempting to establish its own cultural, religious, and governmental identities. More specifically, Tappan is concerned with a revival of holiness and vital religion among the ministers of his time, pre-dating but evocative of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s dictum, “A holy minister weapon is an horrible weapon in the hand of God.”

Tappan is considered a major influence in stirring up a desire for a revival of genuine experimental Christianity that led to the Second Great Awakening.

Based on Exodus 28.36, 38 “And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, and it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead.”

Chipped, nearly disbound; lacks final leaf only. A slightly defective copy of an important historical sermon. Would be much dearer if not so.