Spence, Irving. Letters on the Early History of the Presbyterian Church in America, addressed to the late Rev. Robert M. Laird; With a Sketch of the Life of the Author, and a selection from his Religious Writings. Philadelphia: Henry Perkins, 1838. First Edition. [7410]
Teal cloth stamped in blind with bright gilt titles, 7 7 /8 x 4 7/8 inches, old paper label to spine, slight edge-wear, binding is exceptionally nice. 199 pp., light foxing & stains, occasional pencil marginalia, tight. Very good. Hardcover.
This book contains very early accounts - 17th century - of Presbyterians in the colonies. Included are memoirs, wills, &c. Please note the table of contents in the pictures.
Mr. Spence lived a somewhat retired life as a man of means, was a committed Christian, and a collector of books and letters pertaining to the early days of the Presbyterian Church in America, particularly within Maryland. He relates his interesting findings in letters to Rev. Robert M. Laird, herein reproduced.
Irving Spence, Esq. (1799-1836), b. & d. near Snow Hill, Maryland. Spence was a sickly child with an active mind, who learned to read and write at an early age. As a young teenager he was given the advantage of an education at Buckingham Academy, and at the age of seventeen began the study of law under the tutelage of Judge Robins, of his native county. Spence was admitted to the bar in 1820 and practiced law, but showed more interest in his books and in farming than in public life. He was a delegate to the State Legislature in 1822 and in 1826 was appointed to the State Senate. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Snow Hill and a secret benefactor of the poor, distributing funds anonymously through the church.
