8vo. [30], xxii, 244pp (and 16 blank leaves inserted between L4/5). Recent black cloth, lettered in gilt, A.E.G. Bookplate and shelf-marks of the Bath Reference Library to recto of FFEP, lightly spotted, with occasional minute marginal wormtracks. With a printed presentation leaf, apparently produced specially for this volume, inserted at the beginning of the text block, reading 'For / Mr Giles Hill / Of Oriel College / Oxon. / Jan I. 17', with '13' added in manuscript, featuring a near-contemporary inked gift inscription to recto: 'Ex dono reverendi admodum Viri / Johannis Salmon M. A. e Coll: Oriel Soc. / Giles Hill / 1713' (partly covered by recent clear tape).

Gilbert Burnet, (1643-1715), Scottish theologian, bishop of Salisbury, and acclaimed historian, whose literary reputation was founded upon the much-lauded History of the Reformation of the Church of England, (1679-1714). Considered to be one of his most accomplished works, A discourse of the pastoral care describes the function and character of the clerical profession according to scripture - the intention of the piece being to encourage dissenters back to the Church of England following the introduction of the Toleration Act.

This copy, bearing an early example what is presumably an Oxford presentation leaf, was evidently presented by John Salmon (1689/90-1714), book collector and Junior treasurer of Oriel College, to Giles Hill (mat. 1710/11, proceeding BA 1715 and MA 1718, before serving as vicar to the Somerset Parishes of Hardington, Buckland Dinham and Hemington).