The Works of John Eachard, 3: in Three Volumes Consisting of the Ground and Occasions of the Contempt of the Llercy

The Works of John Eachard, 3 by John Eachard is a compelling collection of satirical dialogues from the late 17th century that delve into politics, philosophy, and religion. The volume begins with prefatory addresses and a dedication to the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by a second dialogue titled 'Timothy and Philautus.' Central to Eachard's work is a vigorous critique of Thomas Hobbes and his Leviathan, where he challenges the concepts of liberty and necessity, exploring the boundaries of free will, predestination, and sovereign power. Through engaging exchanges, Eachard reveals logical evasions, doctrinal peculiarities, and rhetorical strategies employed to support absolute monarchy, religious authority, and civil obedience. This text artfully combines classical references with contemporary political debates, presenting sharp caricatures and arguments through dialogue rather than traditional treatise. It captures the tone and rhetoric of its time while addressing timeless questions about the authority of laws, the rights of subjects, and the relationship between personal conscience and civil power. This edition faithfully reproduces the original text from 1673.