1646 WILLIAM DELL. The Right Reformation of the Church - Not a Political Entity! Rare!

An especially pertinent work to our time. William Dell, classically grouped with the Puritans, was a fascinating character. Though Chaplain to Thomas Fairfax during the Civil War, on the side of Cromwell, he was vigorously opposed to the building of any organization the blended ecclesial with political power structures. While chaplain, he preached against Presbyterian power, was critical of Christopher Love [who here is replied to], and later, though among the puritans at the restoration and thus allowed tithes, opposed tithes, degrees, Christian burial, and paedobaptism. He was drawn to the spiritual nature of the Church in a way that went further than the resistance of the Reformers and Puritans before him.

His works are deeply spiritual and fell into favor with the early Quakers, who saw him as a prophetic voice against any use of "carnal weapons" of cultural power in building the Kingdom of God, and instead urged dependence on the Holy Spirit. He was ejected in 1662, along with the rest of the Puritans, Presbyterians, and Independents.

Fascinating, deeply spiritual read.

Dell, William. Right Reformation: Or, The Reformation of the Church of the New Testament, Represented in Gospell-Light. In a Sermon Preached to the Honourable House of Commons, on Wednesday, November 25, 1646. Together with a Reply to the Chief Contradictions of Master Love's [Christopher] Sermon, Preached the Same Day. All Published for the Good of the Faithful, at their Desire. London. R. White for Giles Calvert. 1646. 42pp.

Professionally removed from a larger sammelband of important early works on religious liberty, etc., here archivally presented in quality wraps. Some stains at extremities, but complete and fine.