First Edition 1706 Published by W. Botham, for James Knapton,  8vo pp. [40]+405+3 pages of ads.  Bound in full panelled calf, top and bottom of spine slightly rubbed, remains of paper label and small hole in spine. Signature on titlepage, some browning and foxing.

Clarke’s greatest philosophical contributions, began with the Boyle lectures (delivered 1704 and 1705).  This second lecture given in 1705 is a continuation intended to establish all fundamental moral truths and most religious doctrine,  These lectures, established by Robert Boyle to promote natural religion based on the latest scientific developments, were closely watched, and Clarke instantly became one of the most well known philosophers in England.  Without these sermons, Newton’s system of the world would have remained relatively unknown.

Samuel Clarke (1675–1729) was the most influential British metaphysician and theologian in the generation between Locke and Berkeley, and only Shaftesbury rivals him in ethics.