THE SINNER IMPLEADED IN HIS OWN COURT [ -with- ] THE SIGNAL [DIAGNOSTIC] DIAGNOSTICK; [religious tracts with gilt-stamped crest of Robert Bertie, Earl of Lindsey, on front and back covers].
London: R. Royston, 1670. Third edition of the first text and presumed first edition of the latter one, bound together in full leather. Thomas Pierce (1622–1691) was, by all accounts, an argumentative “controversialist” who spent the vast majority of his life engaging in writings defending his positions while attacking those who opposed him and his views. He was a Calvinist early on, “then changed his views and attacked his abandoned opinions with the zeal of a neo-convert” (Dictionary of National Biography). In SINNER IMPLEADED he expounds on his position “that the sin in him was due to his own and not to God's will, and that the good done by him was received from the special grace and favour of God” (DNB). 8vo calf boards with gilt crests on both covers and gilt-decorated spine panels; 256 and 167 pages, respectively. Errata printed on reverse of last page of text along with list of “Books Printed since the Fire for R. Royston” (5 titles printed, presumably since the Great Fire of London in 1666). Quite good with spine label perished and spine gilt rubbed but bindings overall sound. Tiny name and date on front pastedown, first title page showing light staining, rear pastedown excised and rear blanks showing few chips and one small hole.
Item #72747
Price: $500.00