‎RIPLEY Francis J., Rev.‎
‎Christ is God.‎

‎The sincere convert, discovering the small number of true beleevers. The 5th edition. (Containing:) 1. That there is a God, and this God is most glorious, 2. That God made man in a blessed estate, 3. Mans misery by his fall, 4. Christ the onely Redeem... - [RARE PURITAN WORK BY EARLY COLONIAL NEW ENGLISH MINISTER]‎

‎London, Printed by Matthew Simmons for John Sweeting, 1650. 8vo. In a contemporary full calf. Light wear to extremities, leather cracked, corners bumped with loss of leather, inner hinges split. A few annotations to free font end-paper and title-page, otherwise internally nice and clean. (18), 270 pp.‎

‎Rare fifth edition of this puritan classic containing five works on the great difficulty of obtaining a saving conversion. Thomas Shepard was an English, later American Puritan minister and a significant figure in early colonial New England.All his works and different editions from early and mid 17th century are scarce and rarely found in the trade. Thomas Shepard was born in Towcester, Northamptonshire, on November 5, 1605. Despite obstacles, he pursued education, eventually attending Emmanuel College, Cambridge. After a period of spiritual turmoil, Shepard experienced a profound conversion and became ordained as a deacon and priest in 1627. He faced challenges due to his nonconformist beliefs and eventually emigrated to Massachusetts in 1635, where he became a pastor in Newtown (now Cambridge). He played a key role in establishing Harvard College and was influential in the theological controversies of his time. Shepard was known for his evangelistic zeal and commitment to education. He advocated for support for needy students, instituted public confession of faith and promoted Congregational church governance. He also supported Native American missions and left a lasting impact on early New England theology. Shepard married three times and had several children. He died on August 25, 1649, in Cambridge.‎