1645 THOMAS HILL. When and How to Leave a Church. And the Reformation of Education, Politics, and Culture.

A fascinating practical pastoral work answering questions about when to separate from a Church during the deep divide of the English Civil War. He explores what amount of error or toleration of sin is simple weakness, as has always identified the good and godly, and what amount makes the church one to be separated from. He also urges specific repentance and reform in the universities, which produce their ministers; in the courts [i.e. politically influential circles], which produce their political leaders; and in prominent families, where those who influence culture are bred.  He also suggests practical steps when separation is necessary, i.e. how to keep the heart pure, how to exercise graciousness, etc.,  Fine piece of puritan pastoral theology.  Hill, Thomas. The Right Separation Incouraged; In a Sermon Preached to the Right Honourable the House of Lords, in the Abbey-Church at Westminster, on Wednesday, November 27, 1644, being the day of the monethly publick fast. London. Printed by R. Cotes, for John Bellamy, and Philemon Stephens, 1645. 35pp.  Very nicely preserved complete English Civil War sermon from the Cromwellian era. Complete as issued, removed from a larger sammelband at some point with relevant flotsam on spine. Textually crisp. Rare on the market.