Pond, Enoch. An Apology for Religious Conferences: or, A Letter addressed to The Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D., Pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Worcester, Containing Some Remarks on A Discourse recently published from his pen, on the Fourth Commandment. Worcester: Printed by William Manning, 1817. First Edition. [12299]
Removed, no wrapper, 8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches, 32 pp., some foxing. Good. Pamphlet.
Dr. Bancroft, in his sermon, said that the fourth commandment prohibited religious meetings during the six days of labor, and delegated them exclusively to the Sabbath; that to be drawn away from our labors was a sinful as to neglect the Lord's Day services. Bancroft also claims that such meetings make for enthusiasts, and contribute to religious pride.
Rev. Pond reasons from scripture, and quotes from such recognized figures as Jonathan Edwards, to support the frequenting of religious services held on other days than Sunday. After treating with the criticisms of Dr. Bancroft he presents the positive reasons for such meetings.
Aaron Bancroft, D.D. (1755-1839), was born in Reading, Massachusetts. While pursuing his divinity studies during the revolutionary war he served as a minuteman, and was present, at both Lexington and Bunker Hill. After graduating from Harvard in 1778 he taught school for a while, was licensed to preach, and spent three years as a missionary in Nova Scotia. He became the pastor of the Congregational church in Worcestor in 1785 and continued in that office until his death, over 50 years later. As he grew older, his theological views changed, becoming first Arminian, and later, Unitarian. He published sermons in defense of religious liberty and a volume of sermons directed against the doctrine of election (1822). He is best known for his "Life of Washington" published in 1807. One scholar calls him, “…the learned and honored minister…an able preacher, and one of the strongest thinkers in the Unitarian body.” - Cooke.
Enoch Pond (1791-1882), b. Wrentham, Massachusetts; d. Bangor, Maine. A Congregational minister, author, editor, and Professor of Systematic Theology in the Bangor Theological Seminary (1832) and afterwards President and Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Lecturer of Pastoral Duties (1856) in the same institution. At the time this Letter was published, Rev. Pond was the pastor of the church in Ward (now Auburn), Massachusetts.
