“THE MOST OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF QUIETISM IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN QUAKERISM"

SCOTT, Job. Journal of the Life, Travels, and Gospel Labours of that Faithful Servant and Minister of Christ, Job Scott. New York: Isaac Collins, 1797. 12mo, contemporary full brown sheep rebacked, original red morocco spine label laid down. Housed in a custom clamshell box. $850.

First edition of the memoirs of the pre-eminent Quaker preacher—“the most outstanding example of quietism in the history of American Quakerism”—scarce in contemporary sheep.

"Historically, the most important thing about Job Scott is his place in the field of religious thought. He was a thoroughgoing mystic and has been called the most outstanding example of quietism in the history of American Quakerism" (DAB). Scott's Journal, which offers regular entries from 1770 to his death in 1793, chronicles not only his travels to Quaker settlements across New England and down the Atlantic coastline to Georgia, but also accounts of the Revolution and the sight of British troops landing "not far from Rhode-Island," causing many in Providence, including Quakers, to flee in "an uproar; carts rattling, and teams driving" (58). Scott's travels took him over 5,000 miles, visiting "almost every part of the then United States" (Howes S228). "The Southern tour took him to Baltimore, Alexandria, Culpeper County, Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. In June, July, and August 1789, he rambled about eastern North Carolina… On August 20, he was at Camden, South Carolina, and August 26 at Charleston" (Clark II:121). Sabin 78287. Evans 32810. Light penciled owner signature.

Interior generally fresh with only light scattered foxing. A highly desirable near-fine copy.