Asplin, William Alkibla London 1731
[Asplin, William.] Alkibla. A disquisition upon worshipping towards the east. Wherein are contain'd, the general antiquity, rise, and reasonableness of this religious ceremony in the gentile world: it's [sic] early adoption into the Church of Christ: with a free and impartial examination of the reasons assigned for it by the ancient Fathers. By a master of arts of the University of Oxford. London: printed for J. Noon, 1740. xvi, 51(1). [Bound with:] Alkibla. Part II. Or, the disquisition upon worshipping towards the east containued from the primitive to the present times: with a serious and impartial examination of the reasons assign'd for the praqctice by our modern divines: in order to obviate superstition in our publick devotion, to remove it from all party-distinction and unnecessary objections, and to assert the printciples of the Reformation; by reducing the ceremonies of churchmen to the standard of the Church. To which are prefix'd some thoughts by way of preface concerninght eproper use of ridicule in controversies stil'd religious. London: printed, and sold by J. Roberts, 1731. xxiv, 152, (8) pp. Two vols. in one, 8vo, old half calf and marbled boards (spine rubbed). Second edition of the first part, first edition of Part II; the first part had originally appeared in 1728. The major work of a learned clergyman, which aroused a good deal of controversy. The text presents an historical explanation of how the Christian practice of praying towards the east originated in the idolatrous practice of worshipping the sun. With an 8-page index to both parts, which appears not to be present in most copies; the first part has a dedication to Sir Richard Steele. In very good condition.
£150
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