Colonial America
Original 1745 Benjamin Franklin Historic Religious Imprint
(BENJAMIN FRANKLIN), Printer, 1745-Dated Imprint titled: “The Confession of Faith...,” PHILADELPHIA: Pinted and Sold by B. FRANKLIN, M.DCC.XLV.” Very Fine.
One of eight major separate Imprints printed by Benjamin Franklin for this major work that were printed on his famous press in Philadelphia. This individual Imprint with frontis page identification to Franklin, disbound. Together these 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 Sum of Saving Knowledge; Or, a brief Sum of Christian Doctrine, Contained in the Holy Scriptures, And holden forth in the foresaid Confession of Faith and Catechisms: Together with The Practical Use Thereof." Printed by Benjamin Franklin, 50 pages, plus its full titles page with his imprinted name, PHILADELPHIA: Printed by B. FRANKLIN, 1745. (Roman Numerals)” at bottom for this section. Title page and first page detached yet very well printed upon period laid paper which remains very clean and easily readable. Section pages 413 to 462 with sewn spine as usual and as made, light wear from use overall and in very collectible quality. A rare Benjamin Franklin historic religious imprint.
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.