8vo. [2], xiv, [2],126 pp, [4]. With half-title and tipped-in errata slip. Contemporary gilt-tooled half-calf, marbled paper boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Rubbed and marked, with wear to joints and corners and small splits to head and foot of spine. Inked ownership inscription to head of title, with 'Very Good' in manuscript at foot. Light spotting to endpapers and preface.

The first edition of a sermon originally preached in 1709 at Christ Church, Dublin, before the House of Lords, by Dr. William King (1650-1729), Irish Anglican Divine and Archbishop of Dublin. King had previously penned De Origine Mali, a philosophical defence of free will, in 1702 - a work which likely contributed to the composition of this tract. Featured alongside the text are notes from Richard Whately (1787-1863), himself a reforming Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, who is now recognised by historians for his early praise and promotion of the works of Jane Austen.