This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[CAPITAL PUNISHMENT]. Prayers for Prisoners Under the Sentence of Death. London: Printed for the Use of the Condemn’d Prisoners, by J. Downing, 1712. 12mo. 46, [2, ads] pp. Approximately 6 ¼ x 3 ½”. Bound in later library binding of full blue pebbled cloth, spine lettered in gilt (spine sunned, library marking on front board, binding rubbed, soiled, endleaves with library inkstamps (Bridwell Library, Withdrawn, etc.), title-page a bit tattered with some marginal tears, some foxing to endleaves and occasionally in text). Very good. PRESUMED FIRST EDITION OF THIS UNCOMMON RELIGIOUS TRACT MEANT TO PROVIDE COMFORT FOR THE CONDEMNED. “These Prayers are for the Prisoner to use Daily after Condemnation; and to carry them and use them, as he goes to the Place of Execution; where he may use them all, or part of them again… The Prisoners, who can read, should assist those that cannot: This is Charity to their Neighbour’s Soul.” (p. [2]).