(RHODE ISLAND.) Group of early Brown University pamphlets, one inscribed by N. Brown. 18 pamphlets, 8vo, all stitched and uncut except as noted; generally minor wear. Various places, 1792-1839
All of these pamphlets relate to Rhode Island College (renamed Brown University in 1804) and its presidents. One is inscribed to future Brown president Asa Messer (1769-1836), another to his widow, and many are authored by him.
The earliest is a reprint of a British sermon by Philip Doddridge, "Christ Formed in the Soul . . . a Sermon Addressed to Young Persons." 30, [1] pages; trimmed with minor dampstaining; Alden 1272. Providence: John Carter, 1792. It is notable particularly for its inscription: "For Tutor Messer from N. Brown," which must date from the year of publication in 1792, as Messer was promoted from tutor to college librarian later that year; he later served as the college president from 1802 to 1826. Nicholas Brown Sr. (1729–1791), one of the four merchant brothers who helped launch the college and played such a large role in the city's development, had died the previous year, so this inscription must be by son Nicholas Brown Jr. (1769-1841), who had graduated from Rhode Island College in 1786. In 1804, under Messer's presidency, he made a large donation which caused the school to be named Brown University in his honor. Also included:
Jonathan Maxcy as university president. "A Discourse Designed to Explain the Doctrine of Atonement." Alden 1472. Providence: Carter & Wilkinson, 1796.
Jonathan Maxcy. "A Funeral Sermon Occasioned by the Death of the Rev. James Manning" (the school's first president). Second edition; Alden 1473. Providence: Bennett Wheeler, 1796.
Jonathan Maxcy. "A Sermon Delivered in the Chapel . . . to the Senior Class." Providence: Benett Wheeler, 1801.
Jonathan Maxcy. "An Address, Delivered to the Graduates." Wrentham, MA, 1802.
"An Act for the Establishment of a College, or University, Within this Colony." Later printing of a 1764 act. [Providence: John Carter, 1803].
Asa Messer, as president. "An Address, Delivered to the Graduates of Rhode-Island College." Providence, 1803.
Asa Messer. "An Oration, Delivered before the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers." In plain wrappers, trimmed. Providence, [1803].
Asa Messer. "An Oration, Delivered in Providence in the Baptist Meeting-House on the Fourth of July." In partial plain wrappers, trimmed. Providence, [1803].
James Manning as president. "A Charge from the President to the Graduates." Later edition of a 1789 oration. Boston, 1806.
Asa Messer. "An Address Delivered to the Graduates of Brown University." Providence, [1810].
Asa Messer. "A Discourse Delivered before the Warren Association." Providence, 1813 (2 copies).
"Brown University, Order of Exercises and Theses for Commencement." Providence, 1814.
"Reverendo Alexandro V. Griswold . . . Asae Messer, S.T.D. LL. D Praesidi." 20 pages; summary of the commencement proceedings in Latin; unopened. No place, [1816].
"The Laws of Brown University." No place: Brown & Danforth, [1823].
"Supplement to the Laws of Brown University." 4 pages. No place, no date.
William G. Goddard. "Memoir of the Rev. James Manning." Printed wrappers, inscribed "Mrs. Messer, with the author's respects." Boston, 1839.
