A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes in this Country, contrasted with Real Christianity.

First edition of this argument that religion could counter moral decadence. Octavo, bound in contemporary quarter calf, red morocco label lettered in gilt, spine divided with gilt rules, marbled boards, gilt supralibros of the Buccleuch family, sides tooled in gilt, vellum tips, edges sprinkled blueDespite its unfashionable theme and diffuse and discursive style, the book was extensively read and very influential. It was repeatedly reprinted and translated (ODNB). For Wilberforce, though, the nation's most pressing needs were moral and spiritual, and in April 1797 he at last completed and published A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes of this Country contrasted with Real Christianity. This work was the tract begun in 1793 and now expanded into a full-length book. As the title implies, Wilberforce expounded his interpretation of New Testament teachings as a basis for a critique of the lukewarm and inadequate practice of Christianity he observed around him. He called for religious revival as an essential means of reversing national moral decline. It was both 'the manifesto of the evangelical party of the time (DNB) and Wilberforce's own personal testimony, which provided a powerful rationalization of his philanthropic and political exertions over the preceding decade (ODNB). Provenance: the library of the Dukes of Buccleuch at Dalkeith House and Drumlanrig Castle, with their gilt supralibros (the initial B surmounted by a ducal coronet) on the front cover and the names of both seats and various pressmarks inscribed on the front pastedown. At the time of publication, the holder was Henry Scott (1746-1812), Governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Front joint professionally repaired, light rubbing to the extremities. A very good copy.