Books and Manuscripts

At a Meeting for Sufferings held in Philadelphia, the Fifteenth of the Fourth Month, 1779…
(Philadelphia), 1779. Bifolium sheet, 10 1/4 x 8 1/2 in. (260 x 216 mm). 4 pp. Printed document, being an Epistle from the National Half-Year Meeting held in Dublin and communicated to the Meeting for Sufferings held in Philadelphia on April 15, 1779; signed in type by Clerk John Gough. Creasing from old folds; horizontal crease in bottom of both leaves; small chipping along edges; open tear in gutter of upper fold; light scattered foxing. Bristol B4879; Shipton & Mooney 43631; ESTC W8641 (locating only four institutions with copies); Not in Sabin, Hildeburn, or Smith

A rare four-page Quaker document denouncing increased materialism among its members, and addressing “the declined state of many in our Society from the Life and Power of pure Religion.” The letter condemns the behavior and pursuit of riches and material goods amongst Friends, stating that "an evil emulation hath gotten in, not provoking one another to love and good works, but vying with each other in the grandeur of their houses, the order and provision of their tables, the richness of their furniture, and the gaiety of their own dress, and that of their children, contrary to the self-denial, the humility and meekness prescribed by the gospel of Christ, in which they profess to believe..." Published during a period of "danger, uncertainty, and distrust," especially for persecuted American Quakers during the Revolutionary War, the letter urges "that friends may let their moderation in all things appear, that those who have launched out extensively in trade, with as little delay as possible, set about contracting their engagements therein into a moderate compass, and instead of risquing the reputation of Truth, the peace of their own minds, and the welfare of their immortal souls, in grasping at things beyond their reach, in order to provide for superfluous expence, reduce their wants and expences within the limits and bounds of Truth, and then a little trade with frugality and industry will be found sufficient."

We have located only one other copy in the auction record, in 1918.