A Discourse of the Pastoral Care. Written by the Right Reverend Father in God, Gilbert, Lord Bishop of Sarum.
London: Printed by R.R. for Ric. Chiswell... 1692. First edition of “unquestionably one of Burnet’s finest works” (Martin Gleig in Oxford DNB). Complete with half-title, with the imprimatur on the verso. A little minor browning. A very good, clean copy. Contemporary mottled calf, rebacked to style. Edges sprinkled red. Octavo. [16], xxxiv, 252, [2] advertisements. Item #14992
“Encouraging dissenters back into the Church of England was one of the motivations behind A Discourse of the Pastoral Care…The passing of the Toleration Act meant that the dissenters could ‘no more be forced’ to conform (Pastoral Care, 101). Although, Burnet argued, it did not absolve the dissenters from the obligation laid upon them by the laws of God and the gospel to maintain the unity of the church, it was now up to the Church of England to win them back. The best way to achieve this was if the clergy ‘were stricter in our lives, more serious and constant in our labours, and studied more effectually to Reform those of our Communion, than to rail at theirs’ (ibid.). Burnet set out the function and character of the clerical profession as described in scripture, the primitive church, and the Church of England. He suggested a number of books which young men ought to read in preparation for ordination. He then stated the appropriate labours of a clergyman, and ended with a short discussion about preaching” (Oxford DNB).
Wing B5777.
Price: $500.00