ИПИ Библиотека

Unlike many twenty-first-century scholars who view religious liberty as simply a “freedom from” state interference, William Penn viewed religious liberty as part of a broader emphasis on individual responsibility. His writings played a crucial role in the articulation of religious liberty as a philosophical and political value during the second half of the seventeenth century and form a core element of the Anglo-American tradition. This volume, the first collection devoted specifically to Penn’s political writings, illustrates the origin and development of his political thought by presenting complete and annotated texts of all his important political works.
In part one Penn elaborates his formulation of how the ancient constitution and English liberties relate to the more specific issues of toleration and religious liberty. Part two articulates Penn’s arguments for religious liberty, and part three applies his more general arguments to specific events in English politics. The book concludes with an essay that expands Penn’s political vision beyond England and America to consideration of issues of European scope.

An ESSAY towards the Present and Future Peace of Europe by the Establishment of an European DYET, PARLIAMENT, or ESTATES (1693)

To the READER.

Reader,
I HAVE undertaken a Subject that I am very sensible requires one of more sufficiency than I am Master of to treat it, as, in Truth, it deserves, and the groaning State of Europe calls for; but since Bunglers may stumble upon the Game, as well as Masters, though it belongs to the Skilful to hunt and catch it, I hope this Essay will not be charged upon me for a Fault, if it appear to be neither Chimerical nor Injurious, and may provoke abler Pens to improve and perform the Design with better Judgment and Success. I will say no more in Excuse of my self, for this Undertaking, but that it is the Fruit of my solicitous Thoughts, for the Peace of Europe, and they must want Charity as much as the World needs Quiet, to be offended with me for so Pacifick a Proposal. Let them censure my Management so they prosecute the Advantage of the Design; for ’till the Millenary Doctrine be accomplished, there is nothing appears to me so beneficial an Expedient to the Peace and Happiness of this Quarter of the World.

William Penn

William Penn (14 October 1644 – 30 July 1718) was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, early Quaker and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was an early advocate of democracy and religious freedom, notable for his good relations and successful treaties with the Lenape Indians. Under his direction, the city of Philadelphia was planned and developed.