A very nicely preserved little pocket edition of the classic Freewill Baptist [or Free Baptist] movement in America. Edited by Elder David Marks, it was the standard in the early years. But because of their petite size and frequency of use, they often survive in quite poor condition. Not this one. It has been lovely cared for and remains in solid, clean, beautiful condition.
Marks, Elder David [ed.]. Hymns of Christian Melody. Selected from Various Authors. Dover. Published by the Trustees of the Free-Will Baptist Connection. 1841. 608pp.
Full calf, some rubbing and light bumping at corners; some moderate foxing. Very sound and clean generally. Early inscription of Caroline Smith, dated 1844, then Caroline Robie of Corinth, dated. Likely the same person, just single in the first inscription. Handwriting is very similar.