Books published by publisher Curiosmith

Puritan Thomas Manton (1620–1677) was a skilled preacher and theologian. This biography describes his days in Culliton, Stoke Newington, and Covent Garden. It follows him through ejectment, imprisonment, and his last days. Also included is a review of some of his works. This text of this edition is from The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, D.D., Vol. 1. London: James Nisbet & Co., 1870. Includes “An Estimate of Manton” by Rev. J. C. Ryle, giving the evaluation of his works, from Vol. 2 of Manton’s Works. Original title: Some Memoirs of the Life and Character of the Reverend and Learned Thomas Manton, D.D. Author William Harris, D.D. (1675–1740) was born in London, England. He was a dissenting Presbyterian minister. In 1698, he became minister at Crutched-Friars, London. In 1708 he was, for 30 years, a preacher of the Friday evening lectures at Weight-house, Little Eastcheap. In 1727 he became a preacher at the Merchant’s Lecture at Salter’s-Hall. He spoke against the errors of the Church of Rome, particularly transubstantiation. He wrote the Memoirs of Thomas Manton in 1725.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is illustrated several times in this allegorical children’s story. Little Milly’s innocent understanding of the Bible became the simple wisdom that was needed by the adults around her. The “Probable Son” as she calls it, is the substance of her hopes and her prayers throughout the story. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."—John 10:15.

The annotations of Rev. Robert Maguire were compiled from the footnotes of John Bunyan's The Holy War, an edition published by Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c. 1863. This companion volume includes a short outline of each chapter which is followed by notes, comments and symbolic meanings. All remarks are maintained in the same chapter and order they originally appeared. Explanations of names and events add depth and richness for any reader of John Bunyan's The Holy War.

Roger Read kept alert for a “chance” or an opportunity of an available job because his grandfather told him: “Never lose a chance,” and “Earn your dinner before you eat it.” After Jack Sparling told Roger not to miss the chance to go to heaven; Roger began seeking spiritual chances as well as employment chances. Roger’s story is about growing successful spiritually, professionally and personally.

Enoch Roden began his apprenticeship in printing with a bad accident, but as the story progresses, his training becomes more spiritual. Mr. Drury, his boss, trusted in God’s provision for his business but when business went bad, it led to confession of his faults. Enoch questioned his attitude of despising God’s daily gifts, thinking he was in rebellion like the Israelites. Trusting God’s providence when it doesn’t seem like He is paying attention is a training many go through. An important verse is Psalm 37:7—“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

Una Carteret is an independent tomboy who loves shrimping and lobster-pots. When storms arise the fisher folk of the town collect at the beach to plunder pieces of the wrecked ships. Una is enraged by this injustice but fighting against it proves very dangerous. Many people are drifting in this small village and Jesus Christ is seen as a Lifeboat. Una said: “I know what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for me. This little boat I am standing in is a very poor type of what He is able to do for you. You are making shipwrecks of your souls, and He is the Lifeboat of the world. I found no real joy or peace till I stepped in.”

A farm family lived by Lake Heron, during the Civil War. The father left home to fight in the war and the children were sent to Cloverley, England. The life with their cousins in Cloverley is an adjustment with less heavy labor and more education. The coal mining town is out of work until the new shaft is completed, but first the will of God must be trusted. The theme of the story is submission to the will of God in all things. An important verse is Matthew 6:10—“Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.”

Rev. Legh Richmond became acquainted with Elizabeth Wallbridge, the Dairyman's Daughter, when he officiated the funeral of her sister. Elizabeth described how she turned from the vanity of dressing finely and clothed herself with humility of Christ. The visits and letters between them are recorded in this rich testimony of God's work. In 1828, it was reported that 4,000,000 copies of The Dairyman's Daughter were circulated in nineteen different languages, resulting in a multitude of saving graces. This is the unabridged version and includes a brief biography of Legh Richmond by Rev. John Ayre (1801-1869). Also included are reports of several visits to the Isle of Wight years afterward.

LITTLE ROSA’s mother promised that God would take care of the children, but doubts grew as the days went by living with a harsh father. The man upstairs passed away and told Rosa to take good care of his brown pitcher. She was obedient, but later on she found a big surprise. GENTLEMAN JIM was thought to be a perfect match for a sweet girl who attracted attention. Clumsy Joe was attracted to her also, and became an example of sacrificial love. THE STORY LIZZY TOLD was about what happened when she grew up. When her father brought home a plant for Lizzie to enter in a flower show, Lizzie continued to tell the story of the disappointing and surprising events that followed. The story came from a letter about the actual yearly exhibition of the “Society for the Promotion of Window Gardening among the Poor,” in Dean’s Close at Westminster’s Abby.

David Sanders was a shepherd who tended his flocks on Salisbury Plain, England, during the eighteenth century. Mr. Johnson, who was Hannah More's friend Dr. Stonhouse, found him to be an intriguing man of faith because of his humble and peaceful attitude about life, while having modest material wealth. This true narrative was very popular when written and is filled with the thoughtful insights of a simple man with an old family Bible. This edition includes a biography of Hannah More by Henry Johnson, short memoirs of both David Sanders and Dr. Stonhouse, and a letter written by David Sanders. It also includes the short story "'Tis All for the Best," by Hannah More. He delighted in his occupational counterparts like Moses, David and other shepherds. A quote from the book: "It was to shepherds keeping their flocks by night, that the angels appeared in Bethlehem, to tell the best news, the gladdest tidings, that ever were revealed to poor sinful men; often and often has the thought warmed my poor heart in the coldest night, and filled me with more joy and thankfulness than the best supper could have done."

Ten year old Meg struggled to take care of the children until father's ship arrived. Over time, their belongings went to the pawnshop. Quite by accident, they met a friendly shopkeeper who fed and employed Little Meg. She developed faith that God answers prayer, and explained life accordingly. Published soon after Jessica's First Prayer, this story became very popular as well. This edition has 13 illustrations.-Curiosmith