[Clifford, Martin]

A Treatise of Human Reason

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for Henry Brome London 1675 Second Edition. 12mo. [133 x 75 x 16 mm]. [2]ff, 91pp. Bound by Samuel Mearne in contemporary red goatskin, the covers tooled in gilt with a double fillet border and the crowned Royal cypher in each corner, and a spread-eagle tool at the centre. The spine divided into six panels with gilt compartments, lettered vertically in the second, the others tooled with the crowned Royal cyper, the edges of the boards tooled with a gilt roll, plain endleaves, gilt edges. (Tips of the corners repaired, joints slightly chipped at the head and foot, a little rubbed). Wing C.4708. Bound with: [STEPHENS (Edward)]. Observations Upon a Treatise Intituled, Of Humane Reason. First Edition. 12mo. [1]f, 73pp. London: for John Leigh, 1675. Wing S.5430. First published in 1674, "Clifford's (d.1677) one significant publication is his anonymously published A Treatise of Human Reason, which emphasizes the role of reason in religious belief. To believe something on the basis of authority, he argues, following Spinoza and anticipating Locke, is itself a matter of reason - i.e. we need rational grounds for assenting to authority of a particular person on a particular topic. Clifford also argued for toleration in matters of religion, arguing that reason alone can bring man to truth in matters of religion, and that force can achieve nothing in this regard" (Dictionary of 17th Century British Philosphers). Stephens was amongst a number of critics to attack Clifford for attributing too much scope to unguided human reason. There is some light browning and a few spots. The covers and spine have the same royal cypher tool as used by Samuel Mearne on bindings for Charles II. It can be seen, for example, on the spine of a book by Langhorne offered as item 68 in Maggs Bros catalogue 1075. The Langhorne was amongst a number of books bound by Mearne for the Royal Library, but never paid for. By 1708 these books were in the custody of a druggist named Sisson. The spread-eagle tool on the covers is presumably a crest; there is an ink press-mark "G III"; with the 19th century bookplate of Edward Davenport and more recent leather label of Carson Brevoort.

• GBP 1,500.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: ebc2889

• bookseller: George Bayntun (GREAT BRITAIN)