Friedrich Spanheim the Younger
Leiden, Spanish Netherlands, June 14, 1684
Friedrich Spanheim the Younger ALS In French, Greek & Latin: "I lost several moments chastising the ignorance, and the calumny, of my defamer"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter in French, with select words and phrases in Greek and Latin, signed at the conclusion by German Calvinist theologian Friedrich Spanheim the Younger (1632-1701), as "F Spanheim." June 14, 1684. Leiden, Spanish Netherlands. Inscribed on laid watermarked bifold paper, with the third leaf and outer leaf left blank. Docketed on the first page. Expected wear including flattened folds, and isolated discoloration and foxing. A vertical strip of paper reinforces the left edge of the first page. Else near fine, bright, clear, and very legible. 6" x 7.8750".

Spanheim the Younger wrote this letter to an unidentified correspondent, one "Monsieur," about attacks lodged against him by someone referred to as "Joannes." The exact context of this attack - almost certainly of an intellectual or religious nature - is unknown. It is well-documented, however, that Spanheim's time as a Professor of Theology in Leiden was rife with contention, mostly concerning the finer points of doctrine.

Translated in part:

"You will see that if I lost several moments chastising the ignorance, and the calumny, of my defamer, that it was strong…

However, Monsieur, it is essential that you take part, and maybe there will be places that will make you laugh, others that will arouse your pity, because such a frenetic as is my Joannes, always merits our praying for him…

I will continue in my historical strictures… And perhaps I will look for the meal that the Elector Palatine offers me in my capacity as Honorary Professor, that of Ecclesiastical Counselor…

Your very humble and very obedient servant

F. Spanheim"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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