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Subject: Theology


A General View of the Argument for the Unity of God and Against the Divinity and Pre-existence of Christ A General View of the Argument for the Unity of God and Against the Divinity and Pre-existence of Christ

Book published in 1794 arguing against the divinity and pre-existence of Christ, using the Jewish perspective on the Messiah. Authored by Joseph Priestley, a prominent 18th-century English theologian, natural philosopher, and political theorist known for his work on oxygen and his advocacy for religious toleration. The book reflects Priestley's attempts to fuse Enlightenment rationalism with Christian theism. Due to the controversial nature of his publications and his support for the French Revolution, Priestley was forced to flee England in 1791, eventually settling in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.

Anastasis; or, The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Rationally and Scripturally Considered Anastasis; or, The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Rationally and Scripturally Considered

This book, "Anastasis; or, The Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Rationally and Scripturally Considered," was authored by George Bush, a professor of Hebrew and Oriental literature at New York City University. Published by Wiley & Putnam, likely in 1844 (as indicated by a December 26, 1844 signature), this work explores the doctrine of resurrection from both rational and scriptural perspectives. The book's detailed examination of biblical texts and theological arguments positions it as a significant contribution to 19th-century religious discourse.

Draft Manuscript: The Sameness of Jewish Canon in Early Times by Moses Stuart Draft Manuscript: The Sameness of Jewish Canon in Early Times by Moses Stuart

A single-page (9" x 7") draft manuscript written on both sides, numbered 337 and 338. The manuscript, possibly dating to circa 1840, is titled "The Sameness of Jewish Canon in early times." It contains numerous corrections and notes, suggesting it may be a study manuscript rather than a direct copy. A note in a different hand on the top left corner identifies it as the writing of Moses Stuart.

Letter from John Hall to Isaac Leeser, April 26, 1852 Letter from John Hall to Isaac Leeser, April 26, 1852

Three-page letter dated April 26, 1852, from John Hall of Newton, Massachusetts, to Isaac Leeser in Philadelphia. Hall expresses gratitude for a loan of Mendelssohn's treatise and reflects on the diversity of human interpretations of scripture. The letter suggests the writer was a theologian.

Letter from Simha Hirsch to Isaac Leeser Regarding a Theological Dispute Letter from Simha Hirsch to Isaac Leeser Regarding a Theological Dispute

Four-page letter dated November 4, 1850, from Simha Hirsch of Philadelphia to Isaac Leeser. Hirsch discusses a theological controversy between Leeser and a Charleston rabbi concerning the interpretation of "I will be what I will be" (Exodus 3:14). Hirsch, a layman, offers his own scholarly interpretation of the passage, presenting Talmudic arguments and conclusions. The letter displays a humble tone despite Hirsch's clear learning and engagement with the debate between two prominent religious leaders. It is speculated that the Charleston rabbi involved was the reformer Rev. G. Poznanski of Beth Elohim.

Reason and Faith, or Philosophical Absurdities, and the Necessity of Revelation Reason and Faith, or Philosophical Absurdities, and the Necessity of Revelation

This 183-page book, written by Joshua Hezekiah DeCordova, was originally printed in Jamaica in 1788 and reprinted in Philadelphia by F. Bailey in 1791. It presents a defense of Judaism and religion in general against the criticisms of Enlightenment philosophers. DeCordova argues for the unity of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths, emphasizing their shared divine origin. The book covers various philosophical and theological topics, including the nature of God, the soul, and the importance of revelation.