An Account of the Life, Travels and Christian Experiences in the Work of the Ministry of Samuel Bownas [Gillett family copy]

At the Bible in George Yard, Lombard Street: Luke Hinde, 1756. First edition. Small octavo, pp viii, 198, + publisher's advert 2 pages, a little used internally, some pages with slight tears to the gutter margin, contemporary full calf, rubbed, worn at the corners, raised bands to the spine but no label. With the signature of an early owner John Gillett on the rear endpaper. With the further Quaker signatures of Joseph Gillett of Somerton and William S. Clark. [Samuel Bownas was born in 1676, to Quaker parents, although his father died when he was a month old. His father had been a Friend during the time of Quaker persecution, with meetings of the Friends having been held in his house. In 1696, his life was changed. At this time he was apprenticed to Samuel Parrott, a Friend from Briggflatts meeting in Sedbergh. Attending meeting for worship, another Friend, Anne Wilson rose in worship and accused him of being no better for his attendance of meeting for worship, and that would prove perilous for him "in the end". Afterwards he felt called to preach and read the Bible with greater ease. His famous "A Description of the Qualifications Necessary to a Gospel Minister" was first printed in 1750. Having first journeyed to Scotland, he sailed for America aboard the Josiah, John Sowden, master. He landed two months later in Potuxant River, Maryland about 29 May 1702, and continued his work. Bownas died at Bridport, Dorset on 2 April 1753.]. First Edition. Full Leather. Good.