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Job Scott's

Essays on Salvation by Christ

and the debate which followed their publication

QHP edition 1993 (vi + 154 pp.), $9.25.

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Editor's Introduction

Job Scott (1751-93), of Providence, Rhode Island, died in Ireland of smallpox after 19 years of ministry, leaving manuscripts that he felt still needed editing; his yearly meeting (New England) published his Journal much abridged in 1797. A slightly fuller version appeared in 1815, with most of Scott's doctrinal commentary still omitted. Publication of the doctrinal writings was repeatedly considered by the meeting, but "though the general tenor of the pieces has had the manifestation of unity," yet "for want of satisfactory evidence that the present is a suitable time," the subject was tabled. Scott's original manuscripts, however, were in the hands of his father-in-law, Daniel Anthony, who provided them to John Comly for the purpose of making a neat and legible copy. Other Friends made copies, and a demand for their publication grew.

The essays on Salvation by Christ were first published by Emmor Kimber in 1824 under the title Salvation by Christ. To which is added, Remarks upon the Nature of Salvation by Christ, showing that it is a Birth of Divine Life in Man, Known long before the Appearance of our Lord in that Body that was born of the Virgin Mary, in which he did the Father's Will, and exemplified and displayed the Way and Work of Salvation, as a Union of God and Man: -- a Work of God in Man, and of Man by God, in a blessed Harmony, and Co-operation. By that faithful Servant and Minister of Christ, Job Scott.

Controversy immediately ensued over whether Job Scott would have approved of this procedure. Scott's acceptability as a Friends minister was undisputed, but the doctrines expressed in the essays did not seem orthodox to some. Luke Howard, a British Friend and well-known scientist, published a critique of the doctrine which he presented as a defense of Scott's reputation -- arguing that "had he lived" Job Scott would not have published these essays. Howard's pamphlet was promptly rebutted by Benjamin Ferris, of Wilmington, Delaware, who defended the doctrines contained in Salvation by Christ and maintained that Scott would have published them. Another anonymous controversialist then replied with "An Expose of Some of the Misrepresentations" in Ferris's pamphlet.

Since much of the discussion was over what Job Scott would have wanted -- all three disputants citing a letter dated eight days before his demise -- that 'last word' from Job Scott is included in the present volume.

Contents

On Salvation by Christ


A Letter from Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London, to a Friend in America, containing observations upon a treatise written by Job Scott entitled Salvation by Christ, &c. [1825]

A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London, in which the character of our late friend, Job Scott Is Vindicated and Defended, and his Doctrines shown to be consistent with Scripture and sound reason. In reply to a letter addressed by Luke Howard to the Author [1826]

An Expose of Some of the Misrepresentations contained in a Pamphlet, entitled A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard, of Tottenham, Near London [1826]

Job Scott's last epistle [1793]

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