A finely bound, early edition of William Wilberforce's surgical work dissection the distinction between cultural and political Christianity from authentic Christianity initiated by a work of the Spirit and leading to a Christ-centered life of obedience and devotion.
And this edition with wonderful provenance. It was the copy of Anna Gladstone, mother of William Ewart Gladstone, influential MP who opposed Wilberforce and the more radical abolitionists. Gladstone's father, John, built his wealth largely as a slave owner. It's fascinating to think of Anne reading this work while her husband was a slave owner and her son was arguing against Wilberforce as a MP.
One thing we know though was that Anne was a devout and pious Christian. She would have been precisely the kind of person Wilberforce was writing to. People who took their Christianity seriously, but had not been challenged with regard to their responsibility as people of influence and wealth, etc., Was it her influence that finally softened her son, William Ewart, toward slavery over the years? Later in life, he did grow more and more critical of the trade, finally becoming an ally of the movement, but not before the critical vote of 1833. Fascinating historically situated copy of an influential work.
Wilberforce, William. A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes of this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. London. T. Cadell and W. Davies. 1810.
Fine leather, some minor rubbing. Very handsome in large 8vo. Could use a polish, which we are happy to do for you upon purchase if requested. Very crisp and clean.