1797 ALEXANDER SHIELS. Martyrs, Preaching, and Witness of the Scottish Covenanters in Spectacular Binding

A superbly preserved and bound edition of Shiels' classic on the preaching, lives, martyrdom and persecutions, and theological controversies of the Scottish Covenanters. A truly beautiful example. 

Shiels, Alexander. A Hind Let Loose; Or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland for the Interest of Christ. With the True State thereof in All its Periods.

Together with  A Vindication of the Present Testimony against the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Enemies of that Church, as it is now Stated, for the Prerogatives of Christ, Privileges of the Church, and Liberties of Mankind: and Sealed by the Sufferings of a Reproached Remnant of Presbyterians there, Witnessing against the Corruption of the Time:

Wherein Several Controversies of the Greatest Consequence are Enquired into, and in some Measure Cleared; Concerning Hearing of the  Curates, Owning of the Present Tyranny, Taking of Ensnaring Oaths and Bonds, Frequenting of Field-meetings, Defensive Resistance of Tyrannical Violence with Several Other Subordinate Questions useful for these Times. Glasgow. Printed by William Paton for John Kirk, Calton, the Publisher. 1797. 835pp

[Bound With]

The Mystery of Magistracy Unvailed: Or, God’s Ordinance of Magistracy Asserted, Cleared, and Vindicated from Heathenish Dominion, Tyrannous and Antichristian Usurpation, Despisers of Dignities, and Contemners of Authorities. 22pp.

An absolutely beautifully bound copy of a quality late 18^th century imprint of an important primary Scottish Covenanter work. Full calf with raised bands with geometric and organic tooling to compartments and bands; contrasting morocco label. The boards are blind paneled with a simple gold double border. Then there is a lovely detail of a template dyed full board cartouche on both boards; highly unusual and attractive. All edges marbled.

Textually very good with some light handling; trimmed when bound. A label removed on front pastedown. Lovely.