Unsigned handwritten manuscript on a 7.25 x 12 off-white sheet, Newton pens 10 lines about the Bible’s Book of Revelations: “begins & ends with the worship of him that sits upon the throne. He & Christ are worshipped for their benefactions. Christ is worshipped as he is the Lamb of God who was slain for us & hath redeemed us with his blood. The seven lambs are not worshipped tho they represent the seven spirits before the throne from whom John wishes grace & peace to the Churches. God gave this Revelation to Jesus Christ & he sent & signified it by his Messenger to his servant John; but when John fell down to worship this prophetic Messenger he was forbidden. See thou do it not, saith the Messenger; I am thy fellow servant, & of thy brethren [the Prophets] that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” In very good to fine condition, with a light central vertical bend, some folds and creases to lower blank portion of page, light rippling along top edge, and some scattered light toning and soiling.
Although best known for his endeavors in theoretical science, Newton was a strong believer in the prophetic interpretation of the Bible and considered himself to have been chosen by God to understand Biblical scripture. As a result, he devoted more time to the study of scripture than to science and energetically pursued his Biblical researches with increasing intensity throughout his life. For Newton, the joint study of nature and theology was a mutually reinforcing enterprise. Leaving behind four million words on theology, including an unpublished guide for the proper prophetic interpretation of the Bible, Newton was one of the greatest lay theologians of his age. As they reference “John” it is most likely that these were research notes for his his book on prophecy: Observations on Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John, published posthumously in 1733.
Almost all of Newton’s manuscripts are held by institutions, and the piece offered here is accordingly a rare opportunity to obtain a significant text by the great scientist. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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