The Unreasonableness of Separation – Edward Stillingfleet – 1681 | Attack on Separatist

Edward Stillingfleet was a 17th-century British theologian known for his defensive views on Anglicanism. His first work, which (negatively) set the tone for his literary career, was The Irenicum, a work which advocated for compromise between the Presbyterian and Anglican Orthodox churches.

Stillingfleet made other controversial speeches and written attacks on the separatists including The Unreasonableness of Separation. This 1680 treatise found a way to make everyone unhappy; the separatists were further disgusted with his views, but they were even more disappointed with his desire for harsher punishments and responses. Stillingfleet was publically vocal about his concerns for fanaticism and dogmatism of the separatists, condemning any sort of tolerance toward the separatists. He even sought out the works of Erasmus to justify his anti-Quaker, anti-Separatist anger.

Following the unrest caused by this work, Stillingfleet was known to have engaged in even more controversy when he embarked on an attack of John Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Unreasonableness of Separation; or, an Impartial Account of the History, Nature, and Pleas of the Present Separation from the Communion of the Church of England. To Which, Several Late Letters Are Annexed, of Eminent Protestant Divines Abroad, Concerning the Nature of Our Differences, and the Way to Compose Them
• Author(s): Edward Stillingfleet
• Publisher: London: Printed by T.N. for Henry Mortlock
• Edition: Second edition, 1681
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  8.25in x 6.5in (21cm x 16.5cm)
• Collation: [2], xciv, [8], 449, [1]
• Contents Include:
  • Main theological argument opposing separatism
  • Letters from Protestant scholars abroad
  • Historical overview of nonconformist movements
• Reference(s): Wing S 5675; Arber’s Term Catalog, I, 426

Condition:

Very Good. Bound in leather with tight joints and secure boards. The text block is complete with light aging and toning throughout. Hinges show fading but remain firm. No missing leaves or repairs.

Why Collect This?

• Early printing from a major Church of England defender
• Includes responses from European Protestants
• A foundational work in Anglican theological history

Item Number: # 29453