Reflections on the Works of God, and on His Providence in the Regions of Nature, and in the Government of the Universe. [Spring and Winter]

Christopher Christian Sturm

Published by John Sharpe, London, 1824

Volumes 1 (Spring) and 4 (Winter) only. Engraved title page and one engraving per month. [4], 83; [4], 75pp.; 6.5 x 4 in. *** Fair to good. All extremities rubbed with loss of leather; covers scuffed; joints heavily rubbed; fraying to spine tips (and at middle of spine on vol. 4 only); spine labels still legible with only minor scratches. Hinges strong; text clean and tight with moderate foxing to plates. *** "Sturm's Betrachtungen would probably have disappeared into the tapestry of history and been altogether forgotten had it not been a favorite of Beethoven's. Nevertheless, despite its present neglected status, the book was highly popular during its time. It was first published in 1773, subsequently went through multiple editions, and was translated into various languages. It was apparently translated into English 'by a lady' from a French translation of the original German by 1775, and the number of English and Scottish editions during Beethoven's lifetime is astonishing proof of its popularity. In 1808, for example, no less than three editions were published in London. The first American edition was published in 1814 by Ashbel Stoddard. [.] Despite the popularity of Betrachtungen, little has been written about its author. The only biography, Christoph Christian Sturms Leben und Charakter, appeared in 1786, the year of his death. [.] As a minister, Sturm preached both the love of Christ and, perhaps most significantly, religious tolerance. Sturm believed that intolerance towards any religion was not Christ-like. Indeed, he taught that the commandment 'love thy neighbor' should be taken strictly at its word. Because of this type of preaching, Sturm was known throughout Hamburg for his kindness and warmth. Besides preaching tolerance, Christoph Sturm was passionate about nature. Like many eighteenth-century writers, Sturm admired the beauty and splendor of nature and considered it to be a 'school for the heart.' Sturm's love of nature may be traced to his family. His grandfather was a scientist who frequently studied nature, and his father was also highly educated in science. The family's strong scientific background was undoubtedly passed down to Christoph, and many of Sturm's writings seek to explain nature 'scientifically.' An excellent example may be found in the essay for March 16, 'The Magnitude and Distance of the Sun': 'Accordingly, the sun's core is on average eighteen million, nine hundred, twenty thousand German miles from us. This is a distance that corresponds wonderfully to its use and with its effects.' This particular essay is like many others within the book: Sturm adheres only to the known facts and observations of his time. [.] Frequently, Sturm's writings do not strictly adhere to traditional Christian doctrine, thereby demonstrating the impact that the Enlightenment and reason had on popular religious beliefs of that time. In fact, many of the essays encourage the reader to seek and find God in nature. Furthermore, they assert the pantheistic view that God provides and cares for mankind in nature. Pantheism was an important religious influence in Europe during the Enlightenment. Unlike deism, in which God is an abstract figure who created the universe with a rational set of laws, pantheism expounds a much more personal relationship with God-a relationship to be found in the "observance" of nature. Pantheism is often referred to as the worship of God in nature. By this definition, many of Betrachtungen's essays are pantheistic." [Witcombe, Charles. "Beethoven's Markings in Christoph Christian Sturm's Reflections on the Works of God in the Realm of Nature and Providence for Every Day of the Year." The Beethoven Journal, Summer 2003]. Seller Inventory # ABE-1741568257756

Bibliographic Details

Title: Reflections on the Works of God, and on His ...
Publisher: John Sharpe, London
Publication Date: 1824
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Fair