Gros, Johan. Daniel. Natural Principles of Rectitude, for the Conduct of Man in all States and Situations of Life; Demonstrated and Explained in a Systematic Treatise of Moral Philosophy; Comprehending The Law of Nature - Ethics - Natural Jurisprudence - General Œconomy - Politics - and the Law of Nature. New-York: Printed by T. and J. Swords, Printers to the Faculty of Physic of Columbia College, 1795. First American Edition. [10492]
Full calf with red leather title label, front joint cracked at top but secure, rear joint fine, 8 1/4 x 5 inches, pencil provenance inscription inside front cover, photocopy portrait of the author pasted to the verso of the dedication page, some paste stains visible on the dedication page. [i]-xvi, [1]-456 clean pp., tight. Good. Hardcover.
Evans 28775.
Johannes Daniel Gros (1738-1812), German Reformed minister, b. Webenheim, Germany; d. Canajoharie, New York. After education at the Universities of Marburg and Heidelberg, Gros emigrated to America, was ordained by the Coetus of Pennsylvania, and was a chaplain in the New York militia during the Revolutionary War. He was present at the battles of Oriskany, Sharon, and Johnstown, were he exposed himself to enemy fire while ministering to the troops. After the war he moved to New York City and became professor of German in Columbia University (1784-1795), and professor of moral philosophy (1787-1795).
"Gros was pastor of German Reformed congregations at Allentown, Egypt, Jordan, and Schlosser's (now Union) between 1765 and 1770, at Saucon and Springfield, 1770-72, at Kingston, N. Y., 1773-83, in New York, 1783-95, and at Canajoharie, 1796-1800...In New York he was highly esteemed for his learning. William Hendel, Jr., Philip Milledoler, and other men of future importance studied theology under him...His course [as professor of moral philosophy] was a marvel of laborious thoroughness, beginning with an introductory study of the nature of man and then following a triple division: the first containing 'the law of nature, that is, the natural and invariable principles of justice and equity, by with human conduct ought to be regulated'; the second showing 'how those principles are to be applied to the various states of man'; the third exhibiting 'the application of these natural principles to the states of the nations on earth.' In 1795 Gros published the text of this course as Natural Principles of Rectitude for the Conduct of Man in All States and Situations of Life. He also acted as regent of the University of the State of New York, 1784-87, and as trustee of Columbia College, 1787-92, offices for which he was fitted by a shrewd practical element in his nature." - DAB.
