Melius Inquirendum, or a Sober Inquiry Into the Reasonings of the Serious

Vincent Alsop

ISBN 10: 1333984006 / ISBN 13: 9781333984007

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book, written in the style of a conversation between the author and a skeptic known as the 'Enquirer', delves into the heart of 17th-century English Christianity. The author laments a perceived decline in piety and devotion from the seemingly purer faith of Christianity's earliest centuries. He argues that, in the present day, religious practice has become more ceremonial and empty of true spiritual content. He posits that, in the past, Christian communities were defined by rigorous discipline and a genuine love and understanding of the core tenets of their faith. The author draws parallels between the state of Christianity in his contemporary society and the perceived decline of the ancient church, as described in historical texts. He presents evidence to suggest that the fervor and purity of early Christian communities has been lost, and that outward displays of religiosity have replaced genuine spiritual enlightenment. Through this exploration, the author seeks to reignite the passion and devotion that he believes has waned in the present day. He offers a profound meditation on the nature of religious belief and the challenges faced by faith communities throughout history. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781333984007_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Melius Inquirendum, or a Sober Inquiry Into the Reasonings of the Serious
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1333984006
• ISBN 13: 9781333984007
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Christianity

About this title

Synopsis

A spirited 17th‑century pamphlet that tests church authority and the rights of individuals in matters of conscience.

This title presents a heated exchange on how a church may or may not impose burdensome conditions on its members. It probes whether such commands are lawful, and what readers should do when doctrine and discipline clash with personal conscience. The text anchors its argument in early modern debates over conformity, liberty, and the proper reach of magistrates and ministers.

Readers will encounter sharp defenses of personal liberty, critiques of compulsory practices, and a careful look at how religious power influences civil life. The work frames disputes between conformists and nonconformists, weighing authority against conscience and tradition against reform.

• Examination of the balance between church authority and individual conscience


• Arguments for and against burdening church practices with nonessential rules


• Historical context for 17th‑century religious and political debates


• Clarifications of terms like indifference, necessity, and ecclesiastical power

Ideal for readers of religious history, early modern polemics, and those curious about the roots of church–state tensions.