First published in 1664, A Choice Drop of Honey from the Rock of Christ directs weary believers to the sufficiency of Christ and his perfect righteousness. Biblically rich and distinctly pastoral, Wilcox’s work exposes the reader’s self-righteousness with remarkable directness and then, with warmth, urges them to turn away from self and cling to Christ alone.
Treasured by the Reformed Tradition
The little work became a treasured devotional classic, crossing national, linguistic, and denominational boundaries. The Anglican William Romaine and the Scottish Presbyterian Horatius Bonar both prepared editions, while the work also circulated among early Methodists. Isaac Backus reported that it was “much esteemed in New-England,” and translations carried its message into Welsh, German, Swedish, Finnish, and Scottish Gaelic.
“You will find what you want in this little tract from Wilcox, and will receive into your thirsty soul the words of everlasting life. If you are thirsty, worn out, or in need of gospel comfort, Wilcox will thrust you into the arms of the Savior who invites all to come to him and drink without price (John 7:37; Isa. 55:1). With honey from the rock, Christ Jesus, God satisfies us (Ps. 81:16). And to this rock of refuge, we may continually come (Ps. 71:3).” — Quinn R. Mosier, From the Introduction
New Historical Scholarship
This edition has been prepared directly from the original 1664 edition held in the Special Collections of Christ Church Library, Oxford. It marks the first republication of Wilcox’s work to return to the complete original text. Addressed to all saints, especially those in church fellowship, the original edition speaks directly to the life of the church. Returning to it restores references to baptism and church fellowship omitted in some later editions and retains Wilcox’s emphasis on church unity.
Historical Introduction & Spiritual Hymns
A substantial historical introduction by Quinn R. Mosier details Wilcox’s life, the tract’s history of publication, and its main themes. Joshua Davies’s explanatory notes clarify unfamiliar language and show where the first edition differs from later editions. The appendix reproduces a collection of spiritual hymns included in a 1676 edition published during Wilcox’s lifetime, offering a glimpse into the period when some English Baptists were introducing hymn singing into their worship.
An Edition to Treasure
Printed and bound in Britain, this finely crafted red cloth hardback is finished with gold foil. Its classic typography, bespoke drop capitals, and title pages draw upon the character of the early editions whilst presenting Wilcox’s work afresh to the twenty-first-century reader. The care taken over its design and production reflects the value of the work it contains. This edition is designed to be read, used, and passed on. It is the first publication from Harbour, Broken Wharfe’s historical republication imprint.
Beautiful Gift Wrapping Available
If you select the gift wrapping option, your book will be carefully wrapped in brown craft paper and decorated with red or green twine for a rustic and elegant finish. A finishing touch which allows you to gift this book to friends and family.
“I think it more honour…and more glory to have written old Thomas Wilcocks’ book, A Choice Drop of Honey from the Rock Christ…than all the works of Homer.”
— Charles Haddon Spurgeon
