Penn in Hand: Selected Manuscripts

Méthode courte & facile de démontrer la fausseté de la doctrine des Protestants [manuscript] / par Mr. B.***.

[France between 1755 and 1799].

138 leaves : paper ; 295 x 230 (210 x 135) mm. bound to 305 x 240 mm.

An anonymous theological refutation of Protestantism by a Catholic author. The text seeks to portray various Protestant denominations as modern reincarnations of older heretical sects. At the same time, the author juxtaposes the longevity of the Catholic tradition with the novelty of the Protestant movements. This novelty, according to the author, demonstrates the heretical nature of Protestant opinions. The critique relies on various patristic arguments about the proper distinction between true faith and heresy. The author takes particular issue with the doctrine of sola scriptura and insists that such an approach can lead to dangerous conclusions. The text goes on to list other characteristics of heresy and to refute Protestant critiques of the Catholic Church. The last chapters are devoted to refuting the Arian and the Berengerian heresies. Aside from Luther and Calvin, the text also mentions more contemporary Protestant theologians such as Jean Claude, Jean Daillé, and Pierre Jurieu. The work is divided into eight chapters; the sixth chapter is further divided into four proofs of the perpetuity of the Holy Church.

Ms. codex.

Title from first page (f. 1r).

Incipit: Il n'y a point de reproche qui fasse plus de peine aux protestans que celui de la nouvauté de leur foy, de leur secte et de leur Eglise ... (f. 1r); Explicit: ... que les Calvinistes qui l'autorisent de ces sectes profitent plustost de leur soumission elles sont plus dignes d'etre invitées dans leur reunion a l'Eglise que dans leur revolte peuvent-elles etre suivier dans leur faute qu'elles ont condamnées? (f. 136r).

Foliation: Paper, 138 leaves, [i], [1-136], [i]; modern foliation in pencil, lower right recto.

Layout: Written in 19 long lines; text block outlined in lead.

Script: Written in a cursive script.

Watermarks: three identifiable sets of watermarks; several with a fleur de lys; several with a coat of arms; first sheet is dated 1755.

Binding: Contemporary marbled bindings (Zacour-Hirsch); spine missing.

Origin: Written in France after 1755.

UPenn Ms. Codex 1189.

Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts University of Pennsylvania Ms. Codex 1189