Three Discourses; One on the Parable of Dives and Lazarus, the Second on That of the Unjust Steward, and the Third, on That of the Ten Virgins. [On Parables from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew]

With a Preface, giving some account of the Author's Writings and Life [edited by Thomas Ellis, the son]; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 486 pages; Bound in early, period polished calf with spine in six compartments and five raised bands. Decorative paneling to boards in blind. A comparison of the few institutionally held copies suggests that this is the earlier and rarer of two separate 1704 issues. This example has no mention of Thomas Parkhurst, bookseller, on the title page and contains a Dedication along with errata sheet at rear; A (3) 4. Woodcut frontis portrait of the author is mounted. Prior ownership of a Thomas Mee at top edge of title page and of dedication page at rear. Presumably later prior ownership of M. Barry to top edge, recto of frontis and adjacent to the Mee signature on the title page. Text block is clean and neat with no significant toning or staining. Joints sound. Margins at top edge vary in width and are often quite close-possibly by design or by contemporary trimming. A bit of mild rub to boards at edges and superficial pitting to the blind rules. Mild chipping at spine ends. Front flyleaf and blank followed by frontis. Rear with two blanks followed by rear endsheet. Collation: A8, a8, B-Ff8; Gg4; A(3) 4. Posthumously issued selection of essays dealing with Parables from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Ellis was respected and well-regarded for making his sermons and writings accessible but not overly simplistic to those not blessed with University education.…