DEATH OF A COCK FIGHTER The Remarkable Story And Sudden Death Of A Cock-Fighter; who died on the pit-hill as he was about to descend into a coal-pit. Together with a copy of verses upon the occasion by the celebrated poet William Cowper, Esq. London, Printed by William Clowes, Duke Street Lambeth for the Religious Tract Society. Instituted 1799; Sold at the Depository, 56, Paternoster Row; And by the booksellers. [Price One Penny] No.580. No date, (circa 1825?) Pp 8, disbound tract. Very Good condition. A little grubbiness and marking, with some small nicks to spine from disbinding. Lovely vignette of what seems to be a primitive pit- head. The story of a cock- fighter (“this being a favourite diversion among the colliers”) who goes to buy a cock on the Sabbath. He is persuaded to go to chapel instead , and upon returning to the coal pit, his fellow workers, who mock him for going to “hear the Methodists” bet him a guinea that he will swear before the week is out. He kneels to pray, - “that he might die instantly, than be left to blaspheme that Holy name he now so much referenced”. He dies instantly upon finishing his prayer. The above story is repeated in verse , apparently by William Cowper, and there is a further tale about the death of another cock-fighter who repents his sins and dies in torment, crying out “hell fire, for ever!”