The MS was compiled by Christian Masius (1711-1787), professor in Erlangen from 1768 onwards. The compilation includes works by:

• Du Jurien
• Franz Hollmann
• d’Argens
• Alexander Pope
• Harris
• Voltaire
• David Hume
• Plato
• Bumet

The poem is titled ‘Vers de Mr Harouet, A Mr. Racine, sur son Poëme sur la grace’ and is dated 1722.

The text has been endorsed by Pierre Pitois, marquis de Quincy, as being the true manuscript from which the work (attributed to Voltaire) was printed. It is heavily corrected throughout.

The notebook fragment constitutes a quote taken from André Duchesne discussing his publications of the French monarchy, and his fondness for the said monarchy.

Karl Ernst Schubarth speaks of the joy that Goethe’s last letter brought him as he is lonely in his current situation. He mentions a number of literary figures and their works including Faust, Homer, A. Müllner, Calderón, Shakespeare, and Lessing. He then turns to Christianity and the New Testament, making reference to H.E.G. Paulus, Raphael, Pindar, Muhammad, and Voltaire.

The author expresses deep gratitude for a recent letter from the sovereign, which revitalised him and eased his suffering. He playfully critiques the genealogy of the Chinese emperor Kienlong and discusses the origins of Christianity, linking it to ancient Indian religion. The author also praises the sovereign’s agricultural achievements and compares him favorably to Apollo, noting his talents in various fields. Finally, he mentions his declining health and the challenges of managing his marquisate, emphasizing his enduring loyalty and respect for the sovereign. Additionally, according to T. D. N. Besterman, the date certainly is 1776.

The manuscript is a lettre en vers, opening with a poem of twenty lines that explores themes of Greek mythology, spirituality, religion, and Christianity. The author references the La Barre affair, involving François-Jean Lefebvre de La Barre and Sir Morival, as well as the violence inflicted by Christians in the name of the Virgin Mary. The text also critiques the political system of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, specifically the use of the liberum veto. According to T. D. N. Besterman, the folios are numbered 40–41.

The author of the billet asks rhetorically what can be said of the author of the Epitre d’Uranie. They note that he is aa poet, historian, critic, and on all subjects can showcase his genius.

The MS speaks of Voltaire’s relationship to religion and his role within the Enlightenment.

The poem concerns Voltaire’s relationship with religion.