The Principles of the Revolution Vindicated in a Sermon Preached before the University of Cambridge, on Wednesday, May 29, 1776

Cambridge: Printed by J. Archdeacon, 1776. Third edition. 23, [1]pp. 8vo. Disbound, restitched. Minor toning, minor chips and edge tears. Provenance: General Theological Seminary (perforated stamps). Third edition. 23, [1]pp. 8vo. Watson (1737-1816), bishop of Llandaff, "entered the national political arena on 29 May 1776, when he preached the Restoration day sermon at Cambridge, entitled The Principles of the Revolution Vindicated. In other years this would have been seen as an unexceptionable restatement of Locke's whig doctrine, but with the Americans on the brink of declaring independence it was perceived by many as a bold support of the rebels" (ODNB). The sermon went through three editions in London between July and November 1776, with a further edition translated into French. All are scarce on the market. ESTC T76650; Adams 76-160c; Sabin 102145