1720 Sacred History: Or, The Historical Part of the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament

This is a 1720 "Second Edition" published in London and "Printed and Sold, by the Assigns of J. Sowle, at the Bible in George-Yard, Lombard-street." Historically, the book served as an educational tool designed to organize biblical narratives into a chronological, easily digestible format for Quaker families, filtering out dense prophetic and poetic legalism. Beyond his theological writing, Ellwood is historically celebrated for his deep personal connection to John Milton, serving as a trusted reader to the blind poet and famously providing the creative spark that inspired Milton to write his epic sequel, Paradise Regained.

This artifact features ornate metal hardware. The volume is bound in dark brown leather, showing prominent raised bands along its thick spine and realistic surface wear that suggests centuries of use. Its corners are reinforced with intricate, filigreed brass or bronze corner pieces. A prominent, stylized metal clasp and central boss mechanism dominate the right-hand opening edge.