Tate examines the development of Locke's ideal of toleration, from its beginnings, to the culmination of this development in his fifteen year debate with his great antagonist, the Anglican clergyman, Jonas Proast. 'Locke's defence of toleration is increasingly recognized as a topic not only of historical interest but also of importance for contemporary political theory, and politics. John Tate has written a book that reflects close understanding of Locke's texts and circumstances and of the sophisticated scholarship that has been devoted to them. This is a thorough and engaging book on a major topic.' - Richard Vernon, University of Western Ontario, Canada 'In this bold and important new book John Tate seeks to rescue Locke from the claims of the historians of contemporary irrelevance and the charges of illiberalism of some liberal political philosophers. Through a careful and sensitive discussion of the development of his ideas about toleration, and in particular close attention to the protracted debate with Jonas Proast, Tate seeks to re-establish Locke's credentials as a founder of the liberal tradition of continuing relevance to liberal theorising.' - John Horton, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy, Keele University, UK