Very scarce work by puritan, Matthew Mead [1630-1699]. He succeeded William Greenhill and was ordained by John Owen and Joseph Caryl. He, along with John Howe, was an important part of the consolidation of the Presbyterians and Congregationalists after the Glorious Revolution. 

He is best remembered for being perhaps the most influential later experimental puritan to exert influence against the antinomians. His work The Almost Christian Discovered was absolutely formational to the puritan ethic, including in America. Wesley edited the work for his preachers and it went through early imprints both in the pre-colonial and colonial era in the United States. He was also the author of a series of sermons entitled, The Danger of Falling into the Hands of the Living God. It is difficult to look at his catalogue and not immediately feel the content connection to Jonathan Edwards, who was deeply influenced by Mead's works. 

The present offering, very scarce on the market, covers what it means to take up the yoke of Christ, the evils of slighting Jesus, and our subjection to Jesus as the primary sign of having taken up His yoke, etc., It is, similarly to Mead's other works, deeply experimental and quite "warm" both devotionally and in its "temperature." 

Mead, Matthew. The Good of Early Obedience Or, The Advantage of Bearing the Yoke of Christ Betimes Discovered in Two Anniversary Sermons, One Whereof was Preached May-Day, 1681. And the Other on the Same Day in the Year 1682. And Afterwards Inlarged and now Published for Common Benefit. London. Nathanael Ponder, 1687. 456pp. 

Early full calf binding with five raised bands, all edges gilt, and original tooling; chipped at spine and hinges. Some soiling and toning. 

Original bookplate of the Mayor of London, William Taylor Copeland [1797-1868]. 

4.5 x 6.5 inches.