LAW, William.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Remarks upon A Late Book, entituled The Fable of the Bees, or Private Vices, Publick Benefits. First edition of this spirited riposte to Mandevillian self-interest, judged by one specialist "the ablest of all the replies to Mandeville" (Kaye, quoted in Nieli, pp. 596-7)William Law (1686-1761), a prominent Jacobite, Churchman, and Christian ethicist, was ideally placed to tackle Mandeville's challenge to traditional religious morality. In particular, he disputes the philosopher's contention that humans are almost completely subject to their animal passions, reiterating the reassuring Christian faith in rational morality.

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.