The Art of Patience and Balm of Gilead under all Afflictions.

1694. London, R Smith, 1694. 8vo. In contemporary full calf with five raised bands and triple ruled fillets to boards. Small paper-label pasted on to top of boards. Wear to extremities, boards with scratches and corners bumped. Light marginal browning throughout. Tear to inner margin of first two leaves. Frontispiece partly detached. (6), 168 pp. + frontispiece. The rare first edition of Allestree’s posthumously published religious and philosophical reflections on how to cope with adversity and suffering. Richard Allestree (1619-1681) was a notable English Anglican divine, scholar, and author who played a significant role in 17th-century religious and intellectual life. Born in Uppington, Shropshire, he was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. His academic and religious career was interrupted by the English Civil War where he served as a Royalist soldier leading to his expulsion from Christ Church in 1648 due to his political affiliations. Allestree’s writings emphasized practical piety and moral guidance, of which the present work is a fine example, reflecting his commitment to Anglican doctrine and pastoral care. His influence extended through his academic roles, shaping theological education and contributing to the religious discourse of his time.