J. Lescornay - Pratique de l'Eglise Primitive - 1647

Jacques de Lescornay
PRATIQUE DE L’ÉGLISE PRIMITIVE. Gathered from civil law texts. To show that the Roman Catholic Religion conforms to it, and that St. Peter is its sole Founder. Paris, at Jean Gaillard, 1647.
In-8° (19.4 × 12.8 cm); (12), 144, (2) pp.
Frontespizio tipografico con vignetta calcografica. Legatura coeva in pergamena flessibile con titolo manoscritto al dorso.
Rare seventeenth-century edition of the work by the Parisian lawyer Jacques de Lescornay, a treatise of great historical-theological and legal interest dedicated to the demonstration of the continuity between the primitive Church and the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church through Civil and Canon Law texts.
The work analyzes ecclesiastical and imperial authorities of early Christian antiquity – including Leo, Zeno, Anastasius, and Justinian – to highlight the role of ecclesiastical institutions, monasteries, and the episcopal hierarchy in shaping the religious and legal discipline of the Church.
The volume sits within the lively confessional debate of the seventeenth century, when jurists and theologians sought to establish historically and legally the legitimacy of Catholic institutions. Precisely because of this perspective that intertwines Roman law, church history, and religious polemic, the work constitutes a significant testimony of French juridical-religious culture in the modern era.
An uncommon edition on the antiquarian market, printed in Paris by Jean Gaillard in 1647 and today rarely available complete. A genuine specimen in contemporary parchment binding, with the natural patina of time and well-preserved leaves.
A work of notable interest for collectors of Church history, canon law, and seventeenth-century religious books, as well as for libraries specializing in ecclesiastical and legal studies.