[Rare original 418-year-old English pamphlet, published by notable English printer] A sermon concerning the doctrine of justification in which Chapman gives praise to Calvin. Alexander Chapman, D.D., was born in Norfolk, about 1577. Installed Archdeacon of Stow and Prebend of Lowth in 1610. In 1618 he was the prepend of Canterbury Cathedral and is buried there in the transept. The pamphlet was printed by the prolific London printer John Windet (d. 1610), who printed Thomas Sternhold’s metrical psalter in 1592 and the so-called Geneva 'Breeches' Bible with Christopher Barker in 1597. Later, he issued Shakespeare’s 4to editions of The history of Henry the fourth (1608) and Romeo and Juliet (1609). Windet’s apprentice, William Stansby (1572-1638), continued his work and went on to print the first folio of the works of Ben Jonson in 1616.

Chapman, Alexander (1577-1629). CHRISTIAN LIBERTY DESCRIBED IN A SERMON PREACHED IN THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH AT WESTMINSTER, BY A MINISTER OF SUFFOLKE. A.C. London: Printed by I. VV[indet] for Matthew Lawe, 1606. First edition. 4to. [44]pp. Signatures: A-E-F². [collated, complete]. In mid-20th century library boards with institutional bookplate on pastedown, gilt lettered title on spine, no other library markings. Text embellished with head pieces and illuminated initials. A3, A4, F and F2 with old repairs to top blank corners. Several leaves with fold creases at corners. A3 with spots of soiling. Faint damp stain to gutter. Otherwise very good with wide margins. Rare. ESTC locates 2 copies in the United States, 6 in the United Kingdom and 1 in Ireland. STC 4960.5. ESTCS100899.