1662 THOMAS GRANTHAM. The True Baptist Faith. Written from Prison. Rare

An exceptionally rare piece of Baptist history. Thomas Grantham [1634-1692]. Initially a non-conformist divine, he and a handful of his people were ejected for their views on Baptism. He then began a church in a local home and worked as an evangelist, planting several early Baptist churches in surrounding communities. He was arrested twice in 1662 [the same year as the Great Ejection] and wrote the present work from prison.

It is in many ways reminiscent of Bunyan imprisoned, utilizing his time and lowly position to write works that identify the contrast between the cathedrals of the Church of Men and the prison and abuse of the Church of Jesus.

Grantham, Thomas. The Prisoner against the Prelate: Or, A Dialogue between the Common Goal [Jail] and Cathedral of Lincoln. Wherein the True Faith and Church of Christ are Briefly Discovered & Vindicated, by Authority of Scripture, Suffrages of Antiquity, Concessions and Confessions of the Chief Opposers of the same Church and Faith. Written by a Prisoner of the Baptised Churches in Lincolnshire. 1772. 80pp.

Original paneled calf with neat buckram over the spine, TB [for Thomas Blackett] seared into the front and rear board. Both inner hinges reinforced. Lacking the woodcut plate, as usual. All else complete. No copies on the market and very rare.