Case of Miss Fancourt. The documents and correspondence in the Christian Observer on the alleged miraculous cure of Miss Fancourt.
London: J. Hatchard & Co., 1831. First Edition. Hardcover. Slim octavo. 78pp. (+ iipp. advert & blank). Pamphlet. Rebound in mid-twentieth century quarter cloth. Plain grey papered boards with printed title-label on front board, yellow pebbled cloth spine lettered in gilt. For a short time from 1830 onwards a part of English society was fascinated by "miraculous cure" of Elizabeth Fancourt, the daughter of an Anglican clergyman who had for many years suffered crippling pain in her hips and back. A pious friend visited, and prayed over her, and her health was supposedly instantly and permanently restored. This generated considerable debate in theological circles, with some supporters arguing that it was a continuation of the miracles always present in Christ's Church, whilst others argued that all miracles out of Scripture were merely natural occurrences. This was the perspective take by the editor of "The Christian Observer." The present volume contains a large selection of documents, letters, etc. published in "The Christian Observer" in their exploration of that case. Very scarce. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Page edges browned, contemporary previous owner's details on title-page, foxing to early & last pages. Otherwise a complete VG+ copy. Item #49477
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