1789 ELIJAH FITCH. On the Goodness & Religious Limits of the Material. Revolutionary War Provenance

1789 Rhode Island American Revolutionary War Author on the Limits of Religion in the World. Very Good Provenance.

A fascinating work by an important Rhode Island divine, and author of influential Flight of the British Troops, March 4, 1776, issued in Boston in the same year [1776]. In an extended volume of verse, Fitch explores two important themes, perhaps more critical in light of the losses of the Revolution. The first is where wisdom is to be found in the world. Underlying his writing is a conviction that the goodness of God is evident in created structures of beauty, nature, family, the church, good government, etc., and that following wisdom leads to a good life and society. The second idea he explores is in tension with the first. Wisdom doesn’t always lead to the good life in the present, though it “often” does. So he holds the goodness of materiality, while arguing against its idolatry. The final line of his introduction says it clearly, the works contains Directions how to make both worlds our own. . . though again with caveats on the limits of this world.

The work dedicated to Ezra Stiles.

Interestingly, the present copy is that of Captain Vaniah Palmer [1758-1829]. His wife was Cynthia Fitch, relative of our author. Vaniah Palmer served as corporal in Captain Abner Robinson's Company, Col McClellan's regiment, 1778-1779, Tyler's Rhode Island brigade and was then awarded Captain.

Fitch, Elijah. The Beauties of Religion. A Poem. Addressed to Youth. In Five Books. By Elijah Fitch. Providence [R.I.]. Printed by John Carter. 1789

A good example in likely original half leather, heavily worn and rubbed with losses to binding. Text is generally good with minor damp stain to central gutter, some scattered foxing. Complete.