The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity.

Rare second edition of one of the most persuasive defences of liberty and “the free and uninterrupted exercise of our consciences"(William Penn). Quarto, bound in full modern morocco, gilt titles and ruling to the spine, inner dentelles elaborately stamped in blind. A powerful argument for toleration and against the intrusion of civil authority into religious matters, this second edition was revised and enlarged from the first edition during Penn's imprisonment at Newgate in 1670, a defining episode in his lifelong defense of religious liberty. This is evidently a 2nd edition, being much enlarged from the 1st, which may be seen on comparison; and "J." for Junior is here omitted in the Title page, and also the Dedication to the King which the first contains -- and an address "to the Supream Authority of England," dated, "Newgate, the 7th of the 12th monteth, called February, 1670." -- and a Preface added; also new matter in the work" (Smith Friends' Books II, p.286-7). In very good condition. Bookplate of William Tarun Fehsenfeld to the pastedown.