ROGERS, William (1751-1824). An Oration, delivered July 4, 1789, at the Presbyterian Church in Arch Street, Philadelphia ... Published at the Request of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati. Philadelphia: T. Dobson, 1789. 8vo. (7 13/16 x 4 13/16 inches). 32pp. Later wrappers.

William Rogers was a Baptist clergyman and professor who was known as a writer of moral, religious, and political articles. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, he became the first student of Rhode Island College (now Brown University) in 1765, at the age of fourteen. After his time there, he became principal of an academy in Newport and also later served as professor of oratory at the College of Philadelphia and later at the University of Pennsylvania from 1789 to 1811.

From 1771 until his death in 1824, Rogers held a number of clerical appointments. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia from 1772 to 1775, as chaplain to Colonel Samuel Miles Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment from 1776 to 1778, and as brigade chaplain in the Continental Army until 1781. He was also chaplain to the Military Legion of Philadelphia in 1805.

Rogers was one of the original members of the Society of Cincinnati, joining in 1783, and also became a member of the Religious Historical Society of Philadelphia in 1819.

Evans 22120; Sabin 72741.