This third collection of history manuscripts is harder to date. These biographical sketches could have been written while Earl Davis was a student at Harvard, or they could belong to the previous two series of manuscripts in this series on the history of the development of liberal religion in New England.
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Charles Chauncy
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Charles Chauncy (1705-1787) who took significant steps away from strict Calvinism and the Theocracy, towards a more liberal Arminian theology. He prepared the way for the Unitarian movement of the 19th century.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
Charles Chauncy, Continued
Earl Clement Davis
Concludes the biography of Charles Chauncy (1705-1787) by focusing his conflict with Episcopalianism and the theological controversy.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
Cotton Mather
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Cotton Mather (1663-1728), "the Last Pilgrim", including his efforts to sustain "the Theocracy" of New England and the Salem Witch trials.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
John Wise
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to John Wise (1652-1725). Referred to as "the first clear-headed Democrat", Davis' coverage includes Wise's work to move New England beyond the Theocracy and no taxation without representation.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
Jonathan Edwards
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), who led the conservative resistance to Charles Chauncy's liberal movement. He believed in the absolute sovereignty of God and the importance of a direct spiritual and/or mystical interaction between individual men and God. He also held a high standard of ethics.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
Nathaniel Emmons
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Nathanael Emmons (1745-1840). Emmons was an overly scholarly minister -- in that he eschewed all duties but his theological study. He continued Hopkins' work resisting the liberal tendencies of Congregationalism. There is an element of Edwards mysticism in Emmons: "The active intellect is most active when God is acting upon it. This is mystical, the direct influence of God upon the soul of man."
Unfortunately, this manuscript is missing its first page.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird. -
Samuel Hopkins
Earl Clement Davis
A brief introduction to Samuel Hopkins (1721-1803). Hopkins continued Jonathan Edwards' resistance to the liberal movements of Charles Chauncy. His sermon skills were poor, but he held a deep unshakable faith in "regenerate disinterested benevolence." This led to a courageous stance against slavery, particularly notable given that his pulpit was in Newport, Rhode Island, a major slave importation port.
The primary downloadable document contains the original document followed by the transcription. The bottom of each item page also features the primary document as an embedded pdf for browsing.
Transcription by Davis Baird. Item description based off writing and context provided by Davis Baird.