MenuGuide to the Moses T. Cilley essays on natural theology, theism, and creationism versus evolution, 1861 and undated
Abstract
Methodist minister who preached in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Born in Salisbury, Mass., in 1830, to Jonathan Cilley and Abigail Fowler; married Sarah A. Eaton in 1849, and died after 1910.
Collection comprises a volume, 250 pages, filled with handwritten religious essays (called themes or lectures, which are sometimes separated into chapters), on the topics of natural theology, theism, and creationism versus evolution. Whether the essays were written to support the author's theological studies, as material to be presented in convocations, or in response to the scientific revelations or debates of the time is unclear; however, a reader with initials "J.W.M" read, notated, and provided short comments on the contents. Cilley provided a few ink drawings, including a chart showing the geologic strata and time periods, as well as an image of the human heart. Many essays contain citations to theological writings of the period. Among the many philosophers and writers covered are Aristotle, Benedict Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes, d'Alembart, Diderot, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, David Hume, Hugh Miller, and Enoch Pond.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Creator
- Cilley, Moses T.
- Title
- Moses T. Cilley essays on natural theology, theism, and creationism versus evolution, 1861 and undated
- Language of Materials
- English
- Extent
- 1 v.
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
Collection comprises a volume, 250 pages, filled with handwritten religious essays (called themes or lectures, which are sometimes separated into chapters), on the topics of natural theology, theism, and creationism versus evolution. Whether the essays were written to support the author's theological studies, as material to be presented in convocations, or in response to the scientific revelations or debates of the time is unclear; however, a reader with initials "J.W.M" read, notated, and provided short comments on the contents. Cilley provided a few ink drawings, including a chart showing the geologic strata and time periods, as well as an image of the human heart. Many essays contain citations to theological writings of the period. Among the many philosophers and writers covered are Aristotle, Benedict Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes, d'Alembart, Diderot, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, David Hume, Hugh Miller, and Enoch Pond.
Administrative Information
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Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
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Methodist minister who preached in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Born in Salisbury, Mass., in 1830, to Jonathan Cilley and Abigail Fowler; married Sarah A. Eaton in 1849, and died after 1910.
Subject Headings
- God--Proof, Teleological.
- Natural theology.
- Natural theology--History.
- Theism.
- Theism--History.
- Creationism.
- Creationism--History.
- Religion--Philosophy.
- Religion and science--History.
- Evolution--Religious aspects.
- Evolution--Religious aspects--Christianity--History of doctrines--19th century.
- Nature--Religious aspects--Christianity.
- Alembert, Jean Le Rond d', 1717-1783.
- Cilley, Moses T.
- Diderot, Denis, 1713-1784.
- Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679.
- Hume, David, 1711-1776.
- Miller, Hugh, 1802-1856.
- Pond, Enoch, 1791-1882.
- Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744.
- Spinoza, Benedictus de, 1632-1677.
- Voltaire, 1694-1778.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], in the Moses T. Cilley essays on natural theology, theism, and creationism versus evolution, 1861 and undated, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
Provenance
Purchase, 2008
Processing Information
Processed by: Alice Poffinberger, February 2010
Encoded by: Noah Huffman, February 2010
Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 2008-0164
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.