[Boston], Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Printed by T. and J. Fleet, and J. Gill, 1780. First Edition. Octavo. [4], 55 pp. Stitched into modern marbled wrappers, with half title. Half-title trimmed along fore-edge, contemporary gift inscription, sparse foxing, else a Very Good and well-preserved copy. John Adams was the principal author of the Constitution of Massachusetts, which was drafted in 1779 and ratified on October 25th, 1780. It was also one of the most significant documents of the Revolution, serving as a model for the Constitution of the United States and remains one of the oldest continuously functioning constitutions in the world. Cooper was undoubtedly chosen as a speaker for this occasion for his elevated position as pastor at the Brattle Street Church, a position he held from 1749-1783, counting John Adams, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock as members of his parish. Cooper here likens the United States to ancient Israel. "like that nation we rose from oppression and emerged 'from the House of Bondage': Like that nation we were led into a wilderness, as a refuge from tyranny, and a preparation from our civil and religious rights." This just one of a handful of Cooper's sermons that made it into print, rated his best by the 19th century clergyman J.G. Palfrey (see DAB IV, p. 411). No copies in retail as of February 2023. [Evans 16753; Sabin 16603]. Seller Inventory # 25594

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Sermon Preached Before His Excellency John...

Publisher: Printed by T. and J. Fleet, and J. Gill, Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Publication Date: 1780

Condition: Very Good +

Edition: 1st Edition

Store Description

We are a neighborhood independent bookstore in Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Hill neighborhood, across from Eastern Market.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Hecatomb Holdings, LLC
657 C Street, SE, Washington, DC, 20003, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If
you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the
order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery
date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask
bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms:

Orders generally ship via USPS within 1-2 business days in new, sturdy boxes.

For International orders: the default average shipping weight on AbeBooks is based upon a 2.2 lb (1 kg) package, so heavier books or sets will often require extra postage. Feel free to contact us for estimates. Customs declarations will clssify the contents as Merchandise, described as "Book (used)" and valued at the book's purchase price (sans shipping).

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Add to Wants