[Warfield]. Essay on the Character of Man. [Baltimore]: [Printed by William Wooddy], [1825]. [12371]
Removed, no binding with some signatures starting to loosen. 8 1/4 x 5 1/8 inches, 215 pp. Good. Disbound.
Note C, at the end, reads in part, "Warfield will receive by post, names of those that are disposed to patronize in co-operation, as herein stated..." This written from Baltimore, March 28th, 1825.
This may be the Quaker Edward Warfield. He also is advertising for a teacher of "the Lancasterian system," a system invented by the English Quaker Joseph Lancaster (1778-1838).
The note also references the Baltimore printer William Wooddy, thought to be associated with the Quakers.
We find no reference elsewhere to a Philosophical and Evangelical Association of Baltimore. The Constitution has instructions on choosing Elders, buying property, holding meetings, &c. Article XV. includes: "Faith in the Divinity of the Scriptures, shall be necessary to membership; no Slave holder shall be admitted...neither shall a member of the association, denominated Free Masons...members are to [avoid] dancing parties, the Theatre and Gambling...the purchase and sale of Lottery tickets, will not be approved."
Article XVII. - "The external accidents of the Lords supper, bread and wine, shall not be administered...Water, may be used in the name of the LORD GOD."
Water baptism is rejected, the author claiming that there is no Biblical example for it. "The scriptures does [sic] not furnish an example; wherein men were washed or baptised with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: therefore, it is believed, this ordinance is a mere invention of men." - p. 206.
The long Essay includes a section interpreting the Book of Revelation, in which Constantine, John Wesley, the President of the United States, the Pope, &c. are discovered. It appears to us that the writer deems the Son of God to be another manifestation of the Father, and that they are not separate Persons.
The soul is spoken of as having life directly from Jehovah, as opposed to natural, or material life. "...the divine origin and distinct existence of the soul, and the direct agency of Jehovah therein, and in nature at large..." is supposedly supported by both the testimony of scripture and philosophy. - p. 8.
"It is by the direct energy of the Holy Spirit, the bones ond joints are deprived from nourishment, and the soul from life; the word of God, his spirit, is quick and powerful, sharped than a two edged sword; also a discerner of the thoughts and intentions: by which the Lord, the Lord Christ, is acquainted with the affairs of his kingdom, and carries into effect his purposes." - p. 11.
"It has been proven; first, that we derive our spiritual existence directly from God. Secondly, children are regarded in important lights; such are in accordance with the doctrines taught. Thirdly, the scriptures speaks of the existence of the soul, separate from the spirit. Fourthly, the joints are deprived from nourishment in death, by the agency of the Lord's spirit, the word of the Lord Christ. Lastly, the essential requisites for happiness is brought into view: all of which implies, maketh plain and establishes the doctrine; man is the offspring of God, and not the mere production of nature." - 12.
An interesting and rare book for the researcher.
