PENN, William (1644-1718). The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity. [London]: 1670 [i.e. 1671].

Second edition of a powerful argument for toleration and against the intrusion of civil authority into religious matters. Revised and enlarged from the first edition during his imprisonment at Newgate, it stands as a persuasive defence of liberty and "the free and uninterrupted exercise of our consciences". “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).

Quarto (203 x 153mm). Printed overslip with extra errata mounted on verso of title and another mounted over last five lines of second leaf (browning to a few edges, some minor fraying). Modern morocco (spine sunned). Provenance: William Tarun Fehsenfeld, d.1995 (bookplate).