Author: [WHITE (Thomas)]:
Title: A True Relation of the Conversion and Baptism of Isuf the Turkish Chaous, Named Richard Christophilus. In the presence of a full Congregation, Jan. 30, 1658, in Covent-Garden where Mr. Manton is Minister. Imprimatur, Edm. Calamy.
Description: London, Printed by S. Griffin, and are to be sold by John Rothwel at the Fountain in Cheapside, and Thomas Underhil at the Bile in Pauls Church-yard. 1658. Small 8vo, 134 x 84 mms., pp. [xxx], 97 [88 blank], 19th century half calf, plain boards, gilt spine, with the bookplate of the United Presbyterian College on the front paste-down end-paper, the autograph of John Brown of Haddington (1722 - 1787) on the top margin of the title-page and a note in his hand on the verso of the front free end-paper; first few leaves very slightly soiled, but a good copy. This is the copy owned by the famous lexicographer and biblical scholar John Brown of Haddington (1722-1787), who signs the top margin of the title-page, and writes this palpably erudite note, in his very difficult hand, on front free endpaper, which he keys (with a matching "x" on the title-page) to the word "Chaous" in the title text: x In Persia and Turkey this word is applied to certain public agents as an honorary title. It signifies intelligent, ingenious[,] astute. It is supposed the English word chowse is derived from it. Gifford, at least, in a note to his Edition of Jonson is of that opinion. J. B. The Oxford DNB explains Brown's importance: "It was for The Self-Interpreting Bible (1778) and A Dictionary of the Holy Bible (1769) that Brown enjoyed greatest recognition as an author. The latter, unlike modern counterparts, explained ordinary words, such as 'Finally, Find, Finish, Firm, Fit', even 'To' and 'That'. It supplied much general knowledge, on geography, history, and the natural world, often to quaint effect. The frog, we are told, has 'four legs for leaping with' and is 'much given to croaking' (J. Brown, A Dictionary of the Holy Bible, 1797 edn, 467). Though the elm tree is mentioned only once in scripture (Hosea, 4: 13), Brown gives various details, including the fact that one elm in a hundred years will on average yield 33 million seeds. Yet the dictionary is an excellent pioneer in the field, of exemplary directness, clarity, and accuracy in explaining key terms and concepts. Theology and church controversies scarcely intrude. A century later it was still highly regarded for popular use" (Oxford DNB). On the lasting impact of Brown's work, the Oxford DNB adds that "The Self-Interpreting Bible remained in print until the twentieth century, in much revised form." In fact, the book is still widely available for purchase even today, in modernized form. The author of the book at hand, Thomas White (1628-1698), the non-juror and Bishop of Peterborough, was a Tory loyalist dismayed at King James's increasing tolerance of non-Anglicans. In 1648, he published the first edition of this work, which along with a similar one by Thomas Warmestry, were warmly enthusiastic about the conversion of two Islamic Turks, Rigep Dandulo and Isuf, a.k.a. Richard Christophilus. The subject of the conversion of Turks and others Muslims to Christianity prompted a number of books and articles from Church of England vicars and bishops as well as dissenters. The first edition of 1648 is found in only one location: Regent's Park College at the University of Oxford. For this second edition, ESTC finds in these isles copies in BL (2), Cambridge, Congregational Library, Dr. Williams's Library, Edinburgh, Corpus Christi Oxford, Sheffield, and the National Trust (2). Copies in North America at Folger, Harvard, Huntington, Union Theological Seminary (2), Clark Library, and UCLA. See the British Museum's Catalogue of the pamphlets, books, newspapers, and manuscripts relating to the Civil War, the Commonwealth, and Restoration, collected by George Thomason, 1640-1661, reference number E.2141[1]. See also Jacquline Pearson's article "One Lot in Sodom: Masculinity and the Gendered Body in Early Modern Narratives of Converted Turks" (Literature and Theology, 2007).

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