THE ASSEMBLY'S SHORTER CATECHISM EXPLAINED, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER. PART I. OF WHAT MAN IS TO BELIEVE CONCERNING GOD - PART II. OF THE DUTY WHICH GOD REQUIRES OF MAN. [Part One-1 & Part Two-2 bound within single book.]

Poor condition. Parts I and II bound within single book. Collates as [fp], iii-viii, 9-256, i-vi, 7-78, 81-312, [6], [rp]. Missing initial leaves of a ffep (and perhaps a flyleaf) and Part I's title leaf (presumably i-ii) with title for Part I presumed from OCLC entry and Part II's title leaf (with publisher's imprint and date) which is present; also missing rfep and perhaps a rear flyleaf too; Part II also missing most of pages 79-80 with just a partial stub still present. Part II's title page specifies "The Eighth Edition" whereas Part I (although lacking its title leaf for absolute certainty) is likely a Ninth Edition for OCLC provides a quire count that this copy matches (OCLC locates five copies among U.S. member institutions with the eighth and ninth edition combination). Hardcover: H 19.5cm x L 11.5cm. Certainly contemporary full leather binding but reflecting qualities of eighteenth century American binding than Scottish or British; full dark calf with board edges well worn at edges particularly at corners; front board detached with old stitching connecting it to spine; rear board has some splitting at lower joint but remains reasonably firm; loss of spine leather at ends with furrowing and scuffing lengthwise; spine's maroon title label chipped with some losses to gilt lettering with what remains quite difficult to discern. Toning and staining to edges; interior leaves have varied edge-wear, soiling, toning, and moisture staining/tidelines; probable late 19th century pencil signature on front pastedown (probably a Macoupin County, Illinois resident as the book was obtained from an estate with a number of books descended from family members of that vicinity); pencil marks on Part I's page vii and viii with an old newspaper clipping laid-in between viii-9; antiquarian ink marks at bottom margin of book's last Index page opposite rear pastedown. Some past owner folded a thick sheet of paper forming a sort of dust jacket aiding the book in staying together; faded handwritten ink title on dj spine with some other pencil notes on front flaps and rear panel; dj retained as a novelty.…