A charming, albeit it slightly defective edition of one of Thomas Brooks' best works. 17th century editions of any of his titles are scarce. 

Spurgeon edited a work of short extracts, Smooth Stones taken from Ancient Brooks, and said to the new reader of this aged puritan, If you have never read his works I almost envy you the joy of entering for the first time.

Brooks, Thomas. A String of Pearls: Or, The Best Things Reserved Till Last. Discovered in a Sermon Preached in London, June 8, 1657. At the Funeral of (that Triumphant Saint) Mrs. Mary Blake, late Wife to (his Worthy Friend) Mr. Nicholas Blake, Merchant: With an Elegy on Her Death. London. Printed for John Hancock, and are to be sold at his shop in Popes-head-alley. Nd. c.1668. 221pp + Elegy + Contents. 

A fair example only, though textually complete. Housed in a charming little 18th century quarter vellum binding, stiff at hinges, begins at the Dedicatory with title lacking. From there textually complete. The publishers catalogue defective at the rear. A bit stiff. Handled throughout. There were editions in 1662, 1668, 1671, 1674, etc,. We have been able to verify via the catalogue at rear that this is neither the 1671 or 1674. We believe it to be the 1668, but cannot trace a copy with catalogue intact. It is certainly 17th century and certainly a Hancock edition.