SPIRITUAL DIARY

The Hidden and happy Life of a Christian, amidst a Variety of Trials and Afflictions incident to the present State, exemplified, in an Extract from the Diary of Mr. John Glover, late of Norwich, published by John Carter …

London: Printed by R. Hawes … and sold by Mr. Buckland, Bookseller … and Mr. Keith … London; Mr. Booth, at Norwich; Mr. Punchard, at Ipswich; Mrs. Rogers, at Bury, and the rest of the Booksellers in Town & Country. [c. 1779-80].

8vo., pp. xv, [1], 118; a very good copy, disbound, recent wrappers.

£450

Approximately:
US $567€525

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The Hidden and happy Life of a Christian, amidst a Variety of Trials and Afflictions incident to the present State, exemplified, in an Extract from the Diary of Mr. John Glover, late of Norwich, published by John Carter …

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First edition, very scarce: the spiritual diary of the evangelical Calvinist John Glover from its commencement in 1764 until shortly before his death ten years later. The diary revolves around anxiety about temptations, spiritual withdrawal and silent prayer, and the solace Glover draws from religious writers. His own Spiritual Directions and Advice (1770) would serve a similar function for others.

When Glover (1713/4-1774) heard Methodists preach in Norwich in early 1750s, he was driven to consider his spiritual life, eventually leading to him to evangelical Calvinism. ‘From 1764 Glover kept a diary of his religious experiences, gave up his business, corresponded with religious friends, notably the Calvinist writer Anne Dutton, and wrote devotional works. He founded a religious society in Mattishall, Norfolk, on the pattern publicized by Josiah Woodward and built a chapel for his followers there. They formed a congregational church and ordained Glover’s convert John Carter as minister in 1772. Carter published Glover’s autobiography (1774) and extracts from his diary (1779)’ (Oxford DNB).

ESTC shows three copies: BL, Cambridge; and Duke.

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