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Mormonism ALS 1842

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD
Mormonism ALS 1842
Autograph letter signed by a Presbyterian missionary regarding Nauvoo and Mormonism. Composed to Reverend Milton Badger, Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society in New York, by John C. Holbrook. Datelined Dubuque, Iowa Territory, 5 April 1842, Holbrook complains of the destructive influence of Mormonism. “...Every minister knows that whenever God's people are revived, & put forth special efforts for the salvation of sinners, then the Devil stirs up his instruments to promote a revival of his work. Sometimes he uses Universalists; sometimes Infidels, & sometimes the Mormons...” A Mormon had been interrupting the missionary's prayer meetings, addressing the congregation to enlighten them in the mysteries of that system, & with the revelations said to have been vouchsafed to Joe Smith, the prophet of “the latter day Saints.” The man had come to the mission for enlightenment, but it seems that Holbrook's doctrines could not attract him, for he would announce at the close of meetings that “There will be preaching...by one of the Elders of Israel,” commonly called Mormons. Holbrook especially despises the doctrine, “signs shall follow them that believe,” &c., “they shall speak with new tongues - shall lay hands on the sick & they shall recover” & “that these are the evidences of real faith. They profess to perform these miracles.” He goes on to complain in less indignant terms about competition from Catholics. Emendations throughout in ink show that this letter was adapted for use by the Missionary Society in one of its publications. Letter measures 7.5'' x 12.5''. Bottom fourth cleanly detached, with partial splits at other folds. A fascinating letter in fragile, though good condition.
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