1685 – Grounds of Contempt of the Clergy, Eachard | Anglican Satire on English Clergy

John Eachard was a 17th-century English Anglican clergyman who was primarily remembered for his satire on English clergy, The Grounds & Occasions of the Contempt of the Clergy. Eachard seemingly mocks members of the clergy for their supposed ‘contempt’ against the church with their desire to have more money, better education, and of course, a real job. Note this passage:

“The Holy men of God, or the ministry in general, hereby is disesteemed and rendered of small account. For though they be called Men of god, yet when it is observed, that God seems to take but little care of them.” (p.95)

This leather-bound 1685 edition includes not only The Grounds but letters of response to the original treatise, Eachard’s own observations on the responses.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Grounds and Occasions of the Contempt of the Clergy and Religion Enquired Into, &c. Together with Some Observations upon an Answer Thereto
• Author(s): John Eachard
• Publisher: London: Printed by R. Holt for Obadiah Blagrave
• Edition: 1685.
• Binding: Full leather, restored
• Format: (12mo), single volume
• Size:  6.75 x 4.5 in (17.1 x 11.4 cm)
• Collation: 160, 222, [2], 169–288 pages
• Contents Include:
  • The Grounds and Occasions of the Contempt of the Clergy
  • Observations upon an Answer thereto
• Provenance: Bookplate of Alan Stuart Roger
• Reference(s): Wing E 52

Condition:

Professionally restored full leather binding with rebacked spine; original boards retained. Corners rubbed. Pages clean and bright with minor toning. Tight, secure text block. Very Good.

Why Collect This?

• Restoration satire on English clergy by a major Anglican author
• Complete with the sequel Observations upon an Answer thereto

Item Number: # 29734