Description:

Isaac Newton
n.p., n.d.
Isaac Newton Admiration For Judaism & Moral Continuity With Christianity! Over 350 Words in his Hand, Extraordinary Content!
AM

A significant handwritten manuscript on religion by Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). No location indicated, undated, but circa 1690s-1710s. Extensively penned in English in Newton's hand, over 350 words, featuring heavy revisions and insertions throughout - an exceptional example of Newton's working theological draft style. Includes complete transcription. 1p, 7.25" x 5.25". Lightly age toned with minor handling wear. In fine condition.

A remarkable and deeply reflective theological essay exploring the divine foundations of religion and the moral continuity between Judaism and Christianity. In this text, which is part of his broader corpus of posthumously discovered theological writings, Newton examines the "natural" and "positive" aspects of religion, identifying the Jewish moral precepts as eternal and immutable, while arguing that the Christianity originally mirrored Judaism until its corruption by later ritualism.

Newton opens with the axiom that "Religion is either natural & of eternal obligation or positive & mutable," dividing faith into unchangeable divine law and temporary ceremonial law. He identifies the essence of divine religion with the two Great Commandments: to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself, which he calls "the first and great commandment...and the second is like unto it."

Throughout the manuscript, Newton displays an extraordinary respect for the moral and spiritual coherence of Judaism, distinguishing between what he terms "revealed" religion, emanating from divine precept, and "invented" religion, produced by human ceremony. In marked contrast to many of his contemporaries, Newton does not portray Judaism as superseded, but rather as the pure original faith, from which Christianity diverged. He notes that the early Christians followed the Jewish law until the "Calling of Cornelius and the Gentiles," and laments that later Christian innovation corrupted its moral simplicity.

The manuscript also references Messianic prophecy, citing "the Messiah predicted by Daniel," a key text in both Jewish and Christian eschatology. Yet Newton's interpretation of the Messiah is grounded in the ethical framework of Judaism rather than in ecclesiastical dogma. The tone is analytical and philological rather than devotional, reflecting Newton's unique position as a Hebraically learned Christian scholar who studied the Old Testament in its original language and believed that divine truth was preserved through the Law of Moses.

In full, with Newton's cross-outs appearing here in parentheses: "Religion is either natural & of eternal obligation or positive & mutable. The natural is comprehended in these two precepts Thou shalt love the Lord thy God wth all thy (might) heart & with all thy mind. This is ye first & great commandmt & ye second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self. On these two commandments hand all the law & the prophets. The positive [is [either (divine & humane) revealed & true or invented by man & false & the revealed] consisted (very much) chiefly in ceremonies significant of things past present (&) or to come & in believing the things, [The invented (in forms & ceremonies invented for honouring the dead me) is for honouring dead men & carrying on ye interest of ye living] the chief of wch was the coming of the Messiah. (This was) adumbrated in the Paschal lamb. prophet predicted by Moses & prefigured by the paschal Lamb & the Christ or Messiah predicted by Daniel.

Chap. / Of the Christian religion & its corruption in morality. / The Christian religion was ye same wth ye Jewish till the Calling of Cornelius & the Gentiles wth this only addition ye Jesus who was crucified under Pontius Pilate was the Prophet predicted by Moses & the Christ or Messiah predicted by Daniel & that he rose from ye dead & ascended into heaven & is to (reign) return & judge & rule the quick & the dead, & that we are to testify our becoming his disciples by (commemorate his death) baptism & to give him honour & glory on acct of his death & to commemorate it (&) often & direct our prayers to God in his name, (& to commemorate hope for & to expect remission of sins by his merits upon true repentance of or sins] & to com]) & upon repentance to hope for remission of sins by his (death) merits (& to testify & proclaim our becoming his disciples by baptism.) But when ye Jewish nation received not this doctrine, God rejected them, (wth) & called ye Gentiles without obliging them to observe the law of Moses & soon after (destroyed) caused the Jewish worship to cease & the Jews to be dispersed into all nations."

Newton's historical learning, including a knowledge of Jewish customs, was extensive. He spent more time on theology than on science, writing about 1.3 million words on biblical subjects. This vast collection of Newton's private writings was only discovered upon his death, and was then long suppressed by his heirs for two centuries, until the auction of his nonscientific writings in 1936. Comparable Newton theological manuscripts, especially those on Jewish law and Messianic prophecy, are exceedingly scarce in private hands.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 5.25"
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