Unsigned handwritten manuscript fragment by Isaac Newton, one page, 7.5 x 2.25, no date but circa 1700. An eight-line fragment plus four marginal citations from an apparently unpublished theological work by Newton. In part: "Martyrs, saith he to Vigilantius, &…Eunomius the author of this heresy, frame a calumny against ye Church & are you not terrified wth such society that you should speak the same things against us wch he doth against ye Church? For all his followers enter not into ye Churches of the Apostles & Martyrs……Eunomius feigned that these were juggling tricks of ye Devils, & that ye Devils did not truly cry out but counterfeit their torments." Affixed by two small pieces of archival tape to a piece of acid-free mat board, the fragile fragment is in very good condition, with a tear extending down from the top edge and staining over the left half not affecting readability whatsoever.
Newton, born into an Anglican family, wrote extensively on religion throughout his life and is often associated with Arianism, which opposed the concept of the Holy Trinity. Eunomianism, a 4th-century movement led by Eunomius of Cyzicus, was an extreme variety of Arianism and condemned as heresy at the Council of Constantinople. In this text, Newton seems to take a stand against Eunomius, distancing himself from the views frequently attributed to him. In addition to his scientific studies, Newton was well-learned in the history of the early Church and his personal religious views continue to be the subject of intensive study. A superb, insightful piece from the hand of one of science's greatest names.
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