Published in 1790 by evangelical Anglican clergyman Rev. David Simpson (1745–1799) of Macclesfield, Portraits of Human Characters, with Occasional Reflections is a unique work of moral edification and devotional literature. The volume consists of selected character sketches extracted from the works of the nonjuring theologian William Law. Simpson compiled these literary portraits into a volume distinct from Law's own works, depicting various archetypes of virtue, hypocrisy, worldly vanity, and piety, to serve as accessible ethical guides for self-examination and spiritual reform across all ranks of society.
Simpson, David. Portraits of Human Characters, with Occasional Reflections. Extracted from a Late Author, and Addressed to All Orders of Men. Macclesfield: Printed by Edward Bayley. And Sold by Dilly, London; Spence, York; Bulgin, Bristol; Swinning, Birmingham; Clarke, Manchester; Bayley, Macclesfield; Fletcher, Oxford; Merrill, Cambridge; and All Other Book-Sellers. 1790. 112pp.
Fair copy, though textually good and complete. Disbound, trimmed close at lower edge, beginning with title, collates complete through leaf 1 of the contents page at rear. Occasionally with loss to catchword, though not to text itself.
