Description:

Isaac Newton
[Cambridge, MA], [ca. 1710-1720]
Isaac Newton Highly Important Religious Manuscript with 85+ Words in his Hand, Ex-Bonhams
AM

Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727). Autograph Manuscript, 1p, on the recto of a fragment of paper measuring approximately 7.25" x 2", [Cambridge, Massachusetts], undated, but circa 1710-1720. Nine lines containing over 85 words, penned in Newton's hand in both English and Latin, with numerous emendations, the entirety cancelled with a single line through center of text. Expected light handling wear. Unevenly trimmed, with a small closed tear at lower right, not affecting bold text. In near fine condition. An exceptional example of Newton's working theological draft style. Ex-Bonhams.

A significant example of Newton's religious views on the relationship between God and Jesus. The Latin portion notes that Father and Son are one, but that the Father is by Nature greater than the son. He continues in English on the disappearance of the idea that Jesus "was generated a little before the creation," replaced by the concept of "eternal generation."

In full, with Newton's cross-outs appearing here in brackets: "[neget The Council of Sirmium about four years after these things (A.C. 351) in condemning Photinus & anathematizing his opinions]. Confitemur unum esse Deum patrem unamq? esse Patris et Filij deitatem. Nec quisquam negal Patrem filio majorem esse, non propter aliam hypostasin aut aliam differentiam, sed quia ipsum Patris nomen majus est vocabulo filij. And henceforward the opinion that the son was generated a little before the creation, began to vanish \in the west & in Egypt/ & to be succeeded by the opinion [that] of \his/ eternal generation."

The above loosely translated to English: "[he denies The Council of Sirmium about four years after these things (A.C. 351) in condemning Photinus & anathematizing his opinions]. We confess that there is one God the Father, and that the divinity of the Father and the Son is one. Nor does anyone deny that the Father is greater than the Son, not because of another hypostasis or another difference, but because the very name of the Father is greater than the term of son. And henceforward the opinion that the son was generated a little before the creation, began to vanish \in the west & in Egypt/ & to be succeeded by the opinion [that] of \his/ eternal generation."

Provenance: Isaac Newton; Catherine Barton (1679-1739); by descent, sold Sotheby's, July 1936, (partial) lot 255, as part of the Portsmouth Papers, to bookseller Emmanuel Fabius; henceforth, divided.

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 2"
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