BUNYAN, John (1628-1688). Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners ... The Seventh Edition. London: for Robert Ponder, 1698. 12° (138 x 84mm). Collation: A-H12 I6 (Lacking portrait, lacking A2, title and first and final leaves repaired at edges, shaved affecting headlines, some dampstaining and soiling.) 18th-century polished calf, flat spine (rubbed at extremities). Provenance: J. Chambers (ownership inscription dated 1796); Sir R. Leicester Harmsworth (sale, Sotheby's 27 January 1947, part of lot 2665); George Goyder (bookplate). AN UNRECORDED COPY OF THIS VERY RARE EDITION. This edition not recorded by Harrison; Wing B-55299A citing one copy only, in the Folger Shakespeare Library.
John BUNYAN. The Work of Jesus Christ, as an Advocate, Clearly Explained, and Largely Improved, for the Benefit of all Believers. London: for Dorman Newmand, 1688. 12° (141 x 88mm). Engraved portrait by H. E. van Hove, four leaves of advertisements at end. (Repairs to first and final leaves affecting plate mark and a few letters, some discolouration and soiling, small hole affecting C9 and C10.) Contemporary speckled blindstamped sheepskin, flat spine (spine wormed at foot). Provenance: Elizabeth Gaudern (ownership inscription dated 1831); Sir R. Leicester Harmsworth (sale, Sotheby's 27 January 1947, lot 2809); George Goyder (bookplate). Wing B-5608; Harrison XXXVIII (2).
Set against the contemporary backdrop of Commonwealth and Restoration England, Grace Abounding records Bunyan's spiritual journey to conversion and his establishment as part of the congregation at Bedford. The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate is equally important for understanding Bunyan's spiritual attitudes: in this work the discussion concerns the validity of male ascendency in Christian belief. (See Hill, pp. 63-74 and 296-303.) (2)