8vo. [16], 271, 276-364pp. With errata to verso of title page. Contemporary blind-ruled speckled calf, title in manuscript to spine. Rubbed and a trifle marked, minute worm-holes to lower joint and foot of spine. Without free-endpapers, rear pastedown sprung, early inscriptions to title page of Sa. Byfield, (?) J. Rougier, and 'Grego: Fitz Gerald for J. Bro:', head of text-block trimmed, occasional spotting.

The first, and apparently sole London edition of a vigorous critique of the doctrines of Donatism and the Donatist schism by Saint Optatus (fl. 370), Bishop of Mileve, Numidia (North Africa); in which he deals with the origins of Donatism, attacks the lack of Catholicism among the Donatists, discusses the relation of church and state, and offers repentant Donatists readmission to the Church. This scholarly edition, with extensive notes, was prepared by man of letters and divine Meric Casaubon (1599- 1671), son of classical scholar and church historian Isaac Casaubon (1559-1614), notable as the first to translate the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius into English.