[LOCKE, JOHN] | The Reasonableness of Christianity, as Delivered in the Scripture. London: Printed for Awnsham and John Churchill, 1695

[LOCKE, JOHN]

The Reasonableness of Christianity, as Delivered in the Scripture. London: Printed for Awnsham and John Churchill, 1695

8vo. Contemporary calf; rebacked.

First edition of Locke's most important contribution to theological literature, and a noted influence on Thomas Jefferson's bill for establishing religious freedom.

Locke here presents his arguments for faith being based in reason. This copy with provenance to Joseph Mazzini Wheeler, a noted English atheist and freethought writer. Curiously, while Locke promoted religious toleration, he believed that atheists, without a belief in a higher deity, were incapable of honoring the social contract upon which their legal rights were based.

REFERENCE:

Joseph Mazzini Wheeler (signature)

ESTC R22574; Pforzheimer, 610; Wing L2751; Yolton 229