A very finely preserved Second Edition, issued the same year as the first, of William Wilberforce's important exposition of popular Christianity. He experienced, along with other wealthy Christians like Hannah More, an awakening of faith during the late 18th century through the ministry of John Newton reading Philip Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. 

The present work was the counterpart of Hannah More's Estimate of the Religion of the Fashionable World which we also have on offer in a similar, very fine binding. They both aimed at the middle and upper classes of society.

The present also has laid to the pastedown a very fine sentiment, simply, "Dear Sir, yours faithfully, WWilberforce." 

Wilberforce, William. A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. Second Edition. London. Printed for T. Cadell, Jun. and W. Davies, Successors to Mr. Cadell) in the Strand. 1797. 491pp. 

Original tree calf in a very good state of preservation; some light rubbing to spine and at extremities, but very handsome, crisp and sound. Textually, exceptional. Perhaps never read. Some very, very modest foxing. An exemplary copy.