A very attractive, and imposing folio of the "Practical Works" of Richard Baxter. It contains 11 individual works and an alphabetical table to the whole and was available independently from the other three folios which form the complete set.
Not only is a beautiful, large leather folio, but this was the copy of Thomas Fowell Buxton [1786-1845], retaining his original bookplate. A long-time Christian philanthropist, he married into an influential Quaker family. His sister-in-law was Elizabeth Fry, and he joined the Gurney and Fry families in their advocacy against child labor, for trafficked women / prostitutes, for prison reform and, above, all, toward the abolition of slavery.
He became an MP and fast-friends with William Wilberforce. When Wilberforce died, with total abolition still not in reach, it was Buxton who carried it to the finish line. By 1840, at the Anti-Slavery Convention, he was still the central figure, speaking at the Convention in the iconic image of the historic meeting.
A few minor notes that appear also to be in his hand.
Baxter, Richard. The Practical Works of the Late Reverend and Pious Mr. Richard Baxter. The Second Volume. Containing Reasons of the Christian Religion. Unreasonableness of Infidelity. More Reasons for the Christian Religion. Treatise of Conversion. Call to the Unconverted. Now or Never. Directions and Persuasions to a Sound Conversion. A Saint or a Brute. Mischiefs of Self-ignorance, etc. Right Method for Settled Peace. God's Goodness Vindicated. Directions for Weak Distemper'd Christians With the Character of a Sound Confirm'd Christian. With and Alphabetical Table. London. Printed for Thomas Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns. 1707. 1000pp.
A very good copy, bound in leather that has been respined. Generally solid, with hinges that are breached, but solid. The pages remain remarkably bright and crisp. There is paper repair to pp. 2, & 3, but no loss of text.
