Autographs
Original 1745 Benjamin Franklin Historic Religious Imprint
(BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, Printer). Franklin was one of the most extraordinary human beings the world has ever known. Born into the family of a Boston candle maker, Benjamin Franklin became the most famous American of his time, helping to found a new nation and defined the American character.
1745-Dated, Orignial Imprint: “The Confession of Faith...,” PHILADELPHIA: Pinted and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, M.DCC.XLV.”, Very Fine. This is one of eight major separate imprint sections by Benjamin Franklin, disbound, that together had comprised the composite book entitled, "Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, with the Scripture Proofs at Large. Together with the Sum of Saving Knowledge (Contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms) and Practical Use thereof; Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagements to Duties, Directories, Form of Church Government, &c. of Public-Authority in the CHURCH of SCOTLAND, With - Acts of Assembly and Parliament, relative to, and approbative of the same. - PHILADELPHIA: Printed and Sold by B. FRANKLIN. 1745 (Roman numerals.)"

This imprint's pages measure about 6.75" x 4.25" (Octavo). The original complete volume contained 567 pages, with an additional 24 unnumbered pages that are comprising, "A Table of the Chief Matters Contained in the Confession of Faith and Larger Catechisms." This specific portion being one of the major sections entitled, "The Larger Catechism Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster." Printed by Benjamin Franklin, 200 pages, plus its full titles page with his imprinted name, PHILADELPHIA: Printed by B. FRANKLIN, in Market-Street, 1745. (Roman Numerals)” at bottom for this section. Very well printed upon period laid paper which remains very clean and easily readable. Section pages 166 to 366 with sewn spine as usual and as made, pages 337-366 have separated from the rest, light wear from use overall and in very collectible quality. Very Rare.


The first American publication of the Confession, with the larger catechism and brief summary of Christian Doctrine added, was done in Boston by S. Kneeland for D. Henchman in 1723, from Rothwell's London edition of 1658. [Benjamin Franklin, as printer] used as his copy text, the Thomas Lumisden of John Robertson edition of Edinburgh, 1728, which with its completed 'canon' and accurate texts based on William Dunlop's edition of 1719 which represented the norm of Scottish editions. (Miller). See: Miller, Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia Printing, page 371. Sabin, 15445.