A.Tract: On the Arrogant Pretentions of the Orthodox Clergy

A Tract: On the Arrogant Pretentions of the Orthodox Clergy [New York? 1824]. 8vo, pamphlet, stitched, 8 pp. Some dampstaining, normal aging and browning, previous owners signature on the first page, faint pencil notations on first page; otherwise very good.Scarce tract (OCLC locates five copies) that warns Americans of the dangers of the risks to the separation of church and state from the growing power of the clergy. He refers to them as a "religious aristocracy", who want to see a church establishment emerge that has an alliance with the state. He also indicates that this group calls themselves evangelicals, and their aim is to take control of civil authority. He reminds us that in every age, priests have been intolerant to intellectual inquiry, and show only intolerance to opposing views. The signature on the title page is of Rev. Nathaniel Flectcher (1764?-1852), who had at least one sermon published in 1812. OCLC.