A very scarce volume of Presbyterian sermons, from both Union and Confederate States preached precisely on the cusp of the Civil War. An historically important document preserving the incredible variety of positions held by Presbyterian divines on the subject of slavery, re-colonization, etc., They range everywhere from the ardent abolitionism of Henry Ward Beecher to the Pro-South, Pro-Slavery positions of men like B. M. Palmer and his sermon, "Slavery a Divine Trust." 

Fast Day Sermons; Or, the Pulpit on the State of the Country. New York. Rudd & Carleton. 1861. 336pp.

Each was preached on January 4, 1861 in response to a proclamation from President James Buchanan, setting that day “apart for fasting, humiliation, and prayer throughout the nation.” When that day arrived, across the nation special services were held in churches, public buildings were closed, and many businesses were shuttered for the day. Later these sermons were gathered as representative of the divisions splitting the nation apart.

The unnamed editor of the volume, in his introductory Preface, sets out the purpose of the book, "The following Discourses are collected in a volume in the belief that they will have a historical interest. These are Revolutionary times. The country is profoundly agitated, not on a question of party, but of National existence. On the very brink of dissolution, we are led to pause and review the causes that have brought us to this. While the people attend eagerly to the appeals of their leaders, thoughtful men will listen silently to the calm voices of the Pulpit, from which they will expect a clearer statement of the principles which underlie all this popular turbulence."

Fair only; damptstained, bowed, ex library, and some stains. Very weak. No copies on the market at any price. We would ask at least triple this for a good, crisp copy. Worth preserving.