Thomas Bray, Rector of Sheldon from 1690 until his death in 1730, is best known for his successful efforts to provide parochial and lay libraries in the North American colonies. His work led to the establishment of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. "The author states that the object of this bibliographical treatise was to give those who went to Virginia, Maryland, and the American plantations, an idea of the books they should take. He speaks of having assisted in first founding a parochial library in Maryland" - Sabin. Sabin 7474 (with incorrect date of 1767). Contemporary ownership name of Thomas Fayerweather in upper margin of title page. Also neat 19th-century oval theological library stamp on title page.