A rather rare title issued for distribution among the sailors all along the coast of New England, and for those sailors involved in the War of 1812. Because of the challenging environmental circumstances of their distribution, i.e. to men at sea, the book rare survived and is now quite scarce on the market.
Peculiar to the volume, and in addition to the usual sermons to sailors on the risk of their profession and this as a reason for surety in their Christianity, are very direct sermons on lust and swearing. The first discusses frequent arguments of physical desire as being from God and therefore lawful to fulfill. This is followed by discussion of pamphlets [pronographic, and presumably implying the practice of masturbation] and prostitutes. This is a rare instance of direct dealing with sexual desire in nineteenth century preaching.
There are also prayers to be read before going to out to sea, etc.,
Abbot, Abiel. Pastor of the First Church in Beverly, Mass. Sermons to Mariners. Boston. Samuel T. Armstrong. 1812. 275pp.
Original full calf. Worn, through at corners, but solid and attractive. Removed early label on pastedown with minor remains. First three leaves with tears and chips at extremities. Handling throughout. Last couple leaves with tears and chips. One small worm trace.
