GRIFFITH, Matthew. Bethel: or, A Forme for Families, 1633

GRIFFITH, Matthew. Bethel: or, A Forme for Families: In which all sorts, of both Sexes, are so squared, and framed by the Word of God ….Printed by Richard Badger for Robert Allot, 1633

First edition. Small quarto in eights, [24], 528 pages, additional engraved title page (Allot & Taunton, dated 1634), according to ESTC very likely intended to accompany the later 1634; laid down and has tear and chip to lower edge just entering image, repairs to lower edge of title and A3 (affecting recto border), some staining, marginal tear to E8, small hole in 2D4 affecting page numbers; inscription to verso of repaired blank before title with recto inscribed by Dr Barton, this blank is not the original A1 which may have been covered by the engraved title. All edges gilt, re-backed contemporary calf binding, single gilt rule and gilt Royal Armorial of Charles I to upper and lower boards; inscription reads ‘King Charles the first’s copy of this rare and curious work and with the Royal Arms impressed on the sides. From Dr Barton’s Collection’, very likely from the Royalist and Puritan Thomas Barton’s (c.1599-1682) library who was created Doctor of Divinity at Oxford University through Edward Hyde, earl of Clarendon.
One of the four imprint variants of Matthew Griffith’s (c.1599-1665) first publication, a comprehensive manual for a dutiful and orderly life in a Christian household. Griffith was rector of St Mary Magdalen in Old Fish Street and, as a strong and outspoken supporter to Charles I, used his pulpit in to denounce those who took up arms against the king. At the onset of the civil war, he delivered a sermon at St Paul’s which led him to be imprisoned at Newgate. Despite his hardships, he was created DD by a letter from the king, and after the proclamation of Charles II, was elected preacher to read a divine lecture at the Temple.
ESTC S103458; USTC 3016860; Pollard 12368