[Slavery, Anthony Burns]

Updated August 6, 2026

Estimate: 1 / 1000 Weiss, John. REFORM AND REPEAL, A SERMON, PREACHED ON FAST-DAY, APRIL 6, 1854; AND LEGAL ANARCHY, A SERMON PREACHED ON JUNE 4, 1854, AFTER THE RENDITION OF ANTHONY BURNS. Boston: Crosby, Nichols, and Company, 1854. 30 pp. (plus two blank), in original wrappers, rear cover detached, Very Good. A significant abolitionist pamphlet containing two sermons inspired by the national controversy over the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and the rendition of fugitive slave Anthony Burns. Preached in the immediate aftermath of Burns's forced return to slavery under federal authority, John Weiss denounces the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act as contrary to both Christian morality and constitutional liberty, arguing that unjust laws must yield to conscience. The work stands as an important contemporary expression of Northern religious opposition to slavery during the years immediately preceding the Civil War. Condition: For lots in this online-only auction, condition is stated in general terms only, ranging from Poor to Fine, with Good being average (i.e. an exhaustive list of individual flaws is not included, but only our opinion of the overall cumulative grade is provided.) Most books in this sale have been given a brief inspection only and have not been fully collated (unless the collation is shown.) However, if loss or absence of text is observed during our inspection, then this will always be noted in the description. All lots are sold as-is and not subject to return for any reason. PLEASE READ THE VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOUND IN LOT #1.

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