[Rarebooks] FS: First English Translation of Tertullian's Apologie, 1655

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I can offer: 




[C. Septimus Florens Tertullianus, c. AD 160- c. 225] Tertullian’s Apology, or Defence of the Christians, Against the Accusations of the Gentiles. Now made English by H[enry]. B[rown]. Esq. London: printed by Thomas Harper for Thomas Butler, 1655. Small 4to (7 inches, 17.5 cm), contemporary full calf. [xxvi], ii blank], 179, [19] pp. Binding rubbed, torn at the foot of the spine, upper joint splitting; lower blank corner of title leaf torn, short closed tear to I3, otherwise a generally clean, unsophisticated copy. 



The first English translation of Tertullian’s Apologeticum , which was written in the form of an address to the governors of Roman provinces. Tertullian is referred to as the Father of Latin theology; he was born at Carthage, the son of a centurion, and raised as a pagan, but was converted to Christianity before 197. In this Apology he defended the belief in a single God against pagan attack, appealed for the toleration of Chistians, and urged Christians to separate themselves from pagan society to avoid contamination; and since such an attitude could result in disobedience to the state, he suggested that Christians must be ready to accept martyrdom 




This translation includes a commendatory letter to Brown by Thomas Westley, in which he says “It were heartily to be wished, we of this Nation, could all of us bee as unanimous in the Profession of One true Religion, as the Author of this Treatise earnestly laboured to make those unto whom hee wrot, in the Confession of One true God.” 



Well-represented as far as institutional holdings go, but a scarce book on the market. ESTC R18180; Wing T785A; Lowndes V, 2609. 

$650 plus shipping. 


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