Lincoln

1866 · réf. 082091 — Boston / New York / Cincinnati: Gould and Lincoln / Sheldon and Company / George S. Blanchard 1866. First American Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. An abridged American edition of George Muller’s multi-volume autobiographical Narrative of Some of the Lord’s Dealings with George Muller. Muller wrote the original narrative in four parts published 1837 1841 1845 and 1856; the American edition condenses those parts plus annual reports of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution through 1860 into a single more accessible volume of 490 pages. George Muller 1805–1898 a Prussian-born evangelist and co-founder of the Open Brethren movement recounts his life from a dissolute youth in Germany through conversion theological study and his long ministry in Bristol England. The central subject is his practice of living and conducting extensive Christian work—especially the care of orphans—solely by prayer and faith in God’s provision without soliciting funds or going into debt. The narrative describes the founding and growth of the Scriptural Knowledge Institution and the establishment of orphan homes on Ashley Down in Bristol. It records repeated seasons of financial trial in which supplies were nearly exhausted followed by timely gifts that Muller attributes to answered prayer. Key themes include the reliability of God’s promises the exercise and strengthening of faith through difficulty the power of specific prayer and the conviction that Christian work can be sustained without dependence on human appeals. Müller presents the account as a testimony meant to encourage ordinary believers particularly the poor to trust God for daily needs. The first American edition prepared by Wayland shortens the original material while retaining its essential spiritual and practical lessons and it was intended to strengthen faith among American Christians. ABOUT THIS COPY: This first American edition copy is bound in dark brown cloth with blind-stamped design on the cover. Rebacked spine in leather is unmarked. Frontispiece is a black and white engraving of the Ashley Down Orphan Houses Bristol England protected by a tissue leaf. xxx 490 pp. With unpaginated advertisements for other works published by Gould and Lincoln at the back. CONDITION: Copy is very good with moderate external wear especially along the extremities. Hinges are strong and the binding is tight and sound. Leaves have lightly toned and are foxed throughout yet are unmarked -- except for antiquarian previous owner's name written on the front pastedown in pencil dated 1867 with a couple other pencil notations on the same pastedown. A solid special first American edition and perfect addition to any theologian or pastor's library. Full refund if not satisfied. Gould and Lincoln / Sheldon and Company / George S. Blanchard hardcover