Antilhas

1765 — pp. lix, 679, (xxviii). Folio. Engraved bookplate of: John Glaisyer, Chymist & Druggist, Brighton" Engraved armorial bookplate of Francis Frederick Fox. Contemporary full leather binding, joints cracked. A nice copy of an important and scarce Quaker work. George Fox (1624-1691), was the founder of the Society of Friends (Quakers). By nature serious and contemplative, at the age of 19 he entered upon a wandering quest for spiritual enlightenment. In 1646 he underwent a mystical experience that convinced him that Christianity was not an outward profession but an inner light by which Christ directly illumines the believing soul. Revelation was for Fox not confined to the Scriptures. In 1647 he began to preach. Although often the victim of mob brutality and eight times imprisoned between 1649 and 1675, Fox won many followers, especially among groups of separatists. In 1668 he prepared the first pattern of organization, which was for some years to serve as the discipline of the Society of Friends. The London Yearly Meeting was started in 1671. To confirm his followers in their beliefs and to spread the truths, Fox went in 1671 to the West Indies and to America, where he made arduous journeys to various colonies scattered between New England and North Carolina. Later he twice visited Holland. His sincerity, serenity, fearlessness, and powerful preaching are attested to by a number of his contemporaries. This Journal, with a preface by William Penn, was first published in 1694. An early owner of this book was Francis Frederick Fox (1832-1915) the 2nd son of Francis Ker Fox of Brislington House. He was an oil and colour merchant, President of the Grateful Society in 1869. Sadly, his wife Alice died in childbirth in 1870 and he was left a widower with six children. He was Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers in 1878 & 79 and Sheriff in 1894. He was a J.P. for Bristol and for Gloucestershire and an Alderman for the city from 1865. He wrote extensively on local history. Perhaps he was a descendant of the great Quaker George Fox. Smith p. 690; Sabin 25352. **PRICE JUST REDUCED! PA62