Brownlee, William C. [Signed Binding] Lights and Shadows of Christian Life: Designed for the Instruction of the Young. New-York: John S. Taylor, 1837. [10421]
Binding signed for publisher and binder.
Faded maroon cloth, top of spine worn even with the text block, rest good, 7 1/2 x 5 inches, some scuffing and a small black ink blotch on the front. Extra engraved title page with vignette by J. F. Kensett. 388 generally clean pp., a few marks in pencil. Good. Hardcover.
A series of stories from real life intended to persuade young people to embrace the Gospel. These include The General; or, the utter imbecility of Modern Infidelity; The Duel Prevented; The General's Widow; or Grace triumphing over Scepticism; The afflicted Mother; a Narrative, illustrating the Triumph of Grace, in comforting the broken hearted; The Elder's Son; or, the Spoiled Child; Some Incidents in the Life and Ministry of the venerable Moncrieff of Kilforgie; The First, and last Communion; Hans Van Benschooten; or, Traits of Primitive Character.
William Craig Brownlee (1784-1860), born in Scotland. His family had an expansive estate, having been the “Lairds of Torfoot” for many generations. He emigrated to America in 1808 after completing his theological studies in Glasgow, and was the pastor of Associate Churches in Pennsylvania. In 1815 he became rector of the grammar school in what is now Rutgers University. After serving as pastor of a Presbyterian Church for nine years in Baskinridge, New Jersey, he was installed as one of the ministers of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church in New York city.
“Stored with knowledge, familiar with almost every department of learning, he possessed a ready facility in bringing his enlarged resources to bear on matters of practical utility with great effect; and, pioneer in the Catholic controversy, he was mainly instrumental in rousing the attention of the community to a system then regarded by him, and now regarded by very many, as fraught with danger to our cherished liberties. In this cause his zeal was ardent, his courage indomitable, his efforts unmeasured, and his ability and eloquence admitted by all. His sermons and lectures were from year to year listened to by eager crowds. Dr. Brownlee usually preached without being trammelled by the use of notes, either extemporaneously, or having written and committed to memory. The general character of his preaching was argumentative, but enlivened and illustrated by flashes of fancy, brilliant and beautiful. His views of Christian doctrine were thoroughly of the Calvinistic School.” – Dr. Knox, in the Christian Intelligencer, Feb. 16, 1860.
