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[Americana] [Puritanism] The Mystery of Israel's Salvation, explained and applyed: or, A discourse concerning the general conversion of the Israelitish nation. Wherein is shewed, 1. That the twelve tribes shall be saved. 2. When this is to be expected. 3. Why this must be. 4. What kind of salvation the tribes of Israel shall partake of (viz.) a glorious, wonderful, spiritual, temporal salvation.
Description
Printed title page with Spurgeon’s College library stamp. Includes prefaces by John Davenport and his New Haven associate William Hook, as well as by the prominent English Puritan William Greenhill. The book is a compilation of three sermons in single column Roman font. In the first sermon, Mather argues that Scripture teaches a future mass conversion of all Jewish people. In the second sermon, he lays out the events that would bring this conversion about. In the third sermon, he outlines the special role that Israel will have after the second coming of Christ and during the millennial reign.
Collation
A^8, b-c^8, B-N^8. Complete.
Pagination
[46], 181, [13] pp.
Binding
Rebound with original sheep covers laid down. Boards with double paneled border, spine with recessed bands, gilt lines and the words “Israel’s Salvation” and “1669” lettered in gilt. Endpapers renewed.
Condition
Foxing and browning, mostly to margins. A wonderful piece of early Americana.
Provenance
Spurgeon's College with ink stamp to title page and library bookplate to front pastedown. Detailed three-page index in an attractive contemporary hand to rear of volume.
Scarcity
ESTC records only eight copies in holdings; RBH records only two copies at auction since 1951, with one copy selling for $40,000. Very rare in commerce and at auction.
References
ESTC R3981; Wing M1230; USTC 3086818; Holmes 78; Evans 143.
Note
Very rare first edition. As bibliographer T.J. Holmes notes, although this is not Mather's earliest printed work, it is the first complete book he authored. As one of the earliest American works on prophecy and premillennialism, it offers direct insight into Puritan eschatology and colonial religious thought.
Increase Mather (1639-1723) was one of the most influential Puritan figures in colonial New England - pastor, president of Harvard, diplomat, theologian, and author of more than 100 works. His life spanned the central period of Puritan settlement and crisis in Massachusetts, including his involvement in the Salem witch trials.