926G Benjamin Jenks 1648-1724
Two letters written to a gentleman of note guilty of common swearing. The second edition. To which is added a third letter to another gentleman in the commission of the peace’ exciting him to the performance of his part in executing the late act against profane cursing and swearing.
London: Printed for Benj. Tooke, at the Middle-Temple Gate in Fleetstreet, 1695 $3,800
Octavo 6 X 3 1/2 inches pp. 76 [2, errata & blank] Second Edition Bound in contemporary calf, rebacked and endpapers renewed. Title repaired at lower corner, a few leaves close-trimmed at lower margin just touching the edge of one or two catchwords, a couple of manuscript corrections, some spotting and water stains, mainly to second part. 18th century ownership inscription to renewed f.e.p .
“From Noble Organs, Sir, we expect Harmonious Sounds: and Verses of Humour should not be prostituted to the basest uses”
(p. 39).Jenks was a Church of England clergyman and author. He matriculated at Queen’s College, Oxford. He remained minister at Harley until his death. He published a number of sermons, meditations, and books of prayer. These latter proved especially popular and were reprinted into the nineteenth century. According to the ODNB, “Jenks developed moralizing messages in several of his writings, lecturing against swearing, leudness, and lust”, notably in his several letters on swearing, which were usually addressed to “a Gentleman of Note”.
The letters were first published in 1691 [Wing J5A/ESTC R216972].
This second edition of Jenks’ Two Letters also includes his Third Letter. The Third Letter was also issued separately and is recorded on ESTC as Wing L1660/R26782 (Lambeth Palace Library, Harvard University, Harvard University Houghton Library only).
The first edition is a very rare book with ESTC recording only two copies (British Library and Huntington only). This second edition of Jenks’ letters, published 1965, is unrecorded on ESTC. Wing J5A/ESTC R216972; Wing L1660/ESTC R26782
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