A very fine example of the first edition of the Autobiography of William Jay, a spiritual classic. In a superb binding, likely commissioned by its inscriber, wine merchant Basil George Woodd, and gifted to his relative Ellen Sophia Fox [formerly Woodd].
William Jay [1769-1853] was a man of revivalist sentiments who seamlessly integrated the warmth of his religious enthusiasm with theological and pastoral depth as the pastor of the Independent Chapel in Bath for 60 years.
Compiled in the last few years of his life, it contains content relative to: Surrey Chapel; Rowland Hill, His Friendship with John Newton; John Ryland; His Correspondence with William Wilberforce; His Publications and Hymns; His Favorite Authors; Friendship with Hannah More; His Calvinism; Formation of the London Missionary Society; A Whole Section of Personal Reminiscences of His Contemporaries [includes John Newton, William Wilberforce, Hannah More, Samuel Pearce, Robert Hall, John Foster, Richard Cecil, Rowland Hill, Thomas Haweis, Rammohun Roy, etc.] Correspondence, etc.
Jay, William [George Redford and John Angell James eds.]. The Autobiography of the Rev. William Jay; with Reminiscences of some Distinguished Contemporaries, Selections from His Correspondence, etc,. London. Hamilton, Adams, & Co. 1864. First Edition. 580pp.
Original full polished calf with some fading toward spine and some general rubbing and bumping. Very solid and handsome on the shelf; ready for more use. Edges brilliantly gilt in gold with one signature very, very slightly proud. A beautiful volume.