Eight Sermons Preached Before the University of Oxford in the Year 1799, at the Lecture founded by the Rev. John Bampton, M.A., Late Canon of Salisbury.

London:: Printed for F. and C. Rivington . . . , 1799., 1799. 8vo. xvi, [8], 412 pp. Occasional foxing, a few minor ink marginal notes at Contents-page. Original half calf, marbled boards; recently rebacked with calf, gilt-stamped spine; Modern half calf, preserving original upper & lower boards with leather corners, original marbled paper over boards, rear endleaves replaced, outer corners worn. Ownership blind embossed stamps on first last few leaves (including title) of the Hartford Theological Seminary [Connecticut]. Bookseller's ticket from Thomas Baker, London. Ownership blind-stamps (including title). Very scarce. First edition. Half-title: Sermons containing answers to some popular objections against the necessity or the credibility of the Christian Revelation. / These essays were offered as the Bampton Lectures, which started in 1780, focusing on Christianity. The lecture series continues to this day. / The third sermon, touching on mankind, nations, origin of language, universal belief in miracles and prophecy, ?all nations have a religion?, ?universality of sacrifice?, ?Theology of Greece and Rome - of Plato - of Egypt (etc.), offers the author's views on the plight of the Jews: ?To the history and fortunes of the Jews, nothing parallel can be pointed out in the annals of mankind. Individuals of the nation are found in almost every inhabited portion of the globe; yet in none have they any permanent establishment. They are mixed with every civilized society; yet of none do they form any essential part. They are not admitted to a share in any public counsel; nor in the authority of any government.? (p. 164). / Barrow mentions the Persians and Zoroaster who were ?persecuted almost to extermination.? (p. 370). He does not mention Islam. Relative to Egypt, the author calls this nation ?where science first dawned upon mankind? (p. 158). At this time hieroglyphics had not yet been deciphered, though Barrow does acknowledge the glyphs of Mexico as well (p.159). CONTENTS: [1] On the Variety of Opinions and Tenets in Religion. [2] On the necessity of a divine revelation, for the instruction of mankind in religion and morality. [3] On the Probability that God has revealed his will to Mankind; that his Revelation is the Foundation of all Religion amongst them; and that the History, the Doctrines, and the Precepts of this Revelation are contained in the Old and New Testament. [4] The Doctrines and Precepts of the Christian Revelation favourable to the enjoyments of the present Life. [5] On the mysterious Doctrines of Christianity. [6] On the Want of Universality in the Promulgation and Reception of the Christian Revelation. [7] On Prayer. [8] The good Effects of Christianity on the Faith and Morals of its Professors. / William Barrow (1754-1836), studied at Queen's College, ?archdeacon of Nottingham, . . . . [who] was much indebted to [William] Paley's [1743-1805] writings which he described as sermons for 'general perusal than lectures for a learned society?. In them he popularizes the arguments for the necessity and probability of a divine revelation to man, shows that the doctrines and precepts of the Christian religion are favourable to the enjoyments of the present life ('not Christianity but intemperance being hostile to felicity?), and, with regard to prayer, deems it probable that 'the Almighty in consequence of our prayers interferes with the laws of nature.? He further shows that the course of nature is regular, but our conduct irregular, and that 'reason is not degraded by revelation but assisted and exalted . . . ? REFERENCES: DNB, p. 1228; Monthly Review, 1800, p. 160.