English philosopher (1675-1729) and contemporary of Isaac Newton. ALS signed “Sam: Clarke,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.5 x 12.25, June 13, 1706. Letter to author Henry Dodwell strongly disagreeing with his most recent book. In part: “The occasion of my publishing an answer to your discourse concerning the natural Mortality of the Soul, was not (I assure you) out of any disrespect to your person, whose great learning is well known to the world, & your piety not doubted by any that know you: But this last book of yours was judged by all serious men, of all parties, & particularly by those whose judgment your opinions in some other matters should make you value most, to be of very dangerous consequence; & in the event it appeared notoriously, that the loose & profane people about the Town & elsewhere, embraced your notion with greediness, & boasted of it with great pleasure in all companies. You say indeed, you know no Atheist in England that can take advantage of the Doctrine of natural Mortality, if I had assured him that you allow none such the benefit of actual Mortality. I never supposed, Sir, that you did allow them the benefit of actual Mortality. But they have & will allow themselves more than you allow them; & when once you have granted them natural Mortality, you can never persuade them that they shall not have the benefit of actual. Immortality to punishment has always been made use of by unbelievers, as an objection against religion; & you have greatly strengthened that objection, because it is plainly more incredible that a good god should immortalize to punishment a mortal creature, than that he should condemn an immortal one to immortal punishment. The first part of your hypothesis, all profane men embrace eagerly; & after you have given them encouragement to believe that they will never be convinced of the truth of the second. This is the Evil consequence of your Doctrine: What good effect your publishing it could be expected to have, I profess seriously I cannot imagine: since it can affect only those, who never heard of the gospel; & the world is generally disposed to think favourably concerning them, without advancing such a dangerous hypothesis.” In very good condition, with tape reinforcement to horizontal folds on reverse of the second page, a few small pinholes of paper loss at intersecting fold junctions, some scattered light toning and soiling, a rough edge, and a couple of repairs to paper loss, affecting a few words of text. RRAuction COA.
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