Name/Title
The Christian-Quaker, and His Divine TestimonyDescription
[London: n.p.], 1674. Small Folio. p.[34],131, verso blank, separate title page, dated 1673, then 136-162, errata, verso blank, separate title page for Second Part dated 1673, pp.84,[3] verso blank, separate title page dated "1973" [85]-118, separate title page dated 1673 [119]-170, separate title page dated 1673, [171]-312, separate title page undated, [313]-334 then mispaginated 135-176, errata leaf. Contemporary speckled calf,
Bronner & Fraser Penn Bibliography 22B. Bronner & Fraser state that a 1673 first edition must exist due to mention of "Christian Quaker" in "Reason Against Railing" 1673, however they state that "None reported extant."
Although the book itself is not necessarily rare, this is a very significant copy with the contemporary ownership signature of Shadrach Welsh Senior dated 1679 and Shadrach Welsh Junior dated1705 (interestingly they are spelled differently). Additionally on the inside of the front cover are numerous handwritten notes, some more legible than others. In several places William Penn is referenced and in a very bold and clearly 17th century hand is written "Philadelphia in Pennsylvania."
Shadrach Welch is noted to be one of the first people to whom William Penn granted land in 1682. There is no available biographical information on him that I can find. He is not listed on the initial roster of travelers in Penn's fleet, but those archives are notoriously incomplete.
In either case the date of the first inscription of 1679 predates that of the land grant. It is very likely that this book travelled from England to Pennsylvania as the first Quakers came over with William Penn to settle the new colony of Pennsylvania. A fascinating and very important relic of the first settlers of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.Condition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Apr 29, 2025Notes
Original calf covered boards, rebacked. Initial title page damaged affecting some words in the title. Held together by string (see photo). Remainder of pages scattered foxing but otherwise clean.