Documents - Autograph Letters Signed

1700 - Cotton Mather, autographed document signed:

Cotton Mather (1663-1728), the son of Boston minister Increase Mather and a relative of the Puritan theologian John Cotton, was a product of an illustrious religious heritage. Cotton joined his father as minister of Boston's Second Congregational Church in 1668, where he stayed until his death.

Cotton was part of two different worlds - on the one hand, he came from a period of religious orthodoxy which he went to great lengths to uphold. But, on the other hand, he also saw the value and necessity of modern science in which he supported smallpox vaccines. He lived in a time of growing religious and social diversity. Usually, his desire to support orthodoxy won out over everything else. This is why he supported the use of spectral evidence in the Salem Witchcraft Trials, even over the skeptical objections of his own father. This is also why he supported the establishment of Yale University, designed to further religious orthodoxy in response to the perceived lack of orthodoxy on the part of Harvard.

1703 - Matthew Henry, sermon notes

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) of English descent, was a non-conformist minister and Bible commentator. He prepared for his Christian ministry with only two years of study and was ordained a Presbyterian. He is best remembered for his "Exposition of the Old and New Testament" begun in 1704. His Old Testament work was completed, but he was well into the New Testament at the time of his sudden and premature death in 1714. His Bible commentaries have always enjoyed much popularity for "their penetrating insight, exhilarating freshness, and ingenuity of thought and expression."

1739 - 1740 - William Seward, First Methodist Martyr's Journal

1740 William Seward, First Methodist Martyr's Journal

Preacher and close associate of George Whitefield and the Wesleys, affluent William Seward had been influenced by their preaching and soon worked to obtain necessary resources from English Christians for ministry in America, for which he and Whitefield moved across the sea. Having begun additional works there and needing more funds, Seward sailed back to England. While Seward was preaching there one day, a group of hostile listeners surrounded him and stoned him. One man came from behind Seward and threw a large stone at his head, rendering him unconscious. Seward died shortly thereafter, having forgiven those who had so greatly wounded him. He has been called the "proto-martyr" of the Methodist faith.

Seward kept a detailed journal of these trips and preaching tours. Telling of his voyage to America and his work there, this item, part of his journal not published with later writings, shows important religious happenings of that day, as well as Seward's extensive travels and analysis of his preaching.

1752 - Charles Wesley, autographed letter signed & handwritten hymn

Charles Wesley (1707-1788), celebrated hymn writer and cofounder of Methodism, was the younger brother of the famous John Wesley. Charles was as devoted to Christian work as his brother, but of a gentler spirit, and was historically indispensable to the Methodist movement. Charles was converted, three days before John, at the age of thirty-one. Together, they went to Oxford and were instrumental in keeping the Holy Club alive.

Though his ministry began in Bristol in 1739, it is by his hymns that Charles is known worldwide. His purpose in writing them was to provide Christian teaching and material for public praise and to objectify his rich personal faith. It is estimated that Charles wrote approximately eight thousand hymns. Two of his popular seasonal hymns are “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Charles raised two musical sons, Charles II and Samuel, who both followed in their father's footsteps and contributed greatly to the music of the church. Charles Wesley, at his death, left the Methodist church a wealth of timeless, treasurable hymns and songs that have endured through the ages.

1759 - Jacob Duche, autographed document signed

Born in Philadelphia, clergyman Jacob Duche (1737-1798) was the son of a Huguenot who came to America with William Penn. He graduated from the College of Philadelphia (now University of Pennsylvania). Because of his early support for the colonial cause during the Revolution, Duche was invited to make the opening prayer on the assembling of the 1st Congress on September 7, 1774. After reading a Psalm and several petitions from the Book of Common Prayer, he concluded with an impromptu invocation so patriotic in spirit and so reverent in tone that he was given a vote of thanks.

On July 9, 1776, he was chosen chaplain and served three months. When he resigned, he devoted his stipend of $150 to the relief of the families of Pennsylvanians who had fallen in battle.

1783 - John Witherspoon, autographed document signed, stamped wax seal

John Witherspoon (1723 – 1794)

It was John Adams who in 1774 praised John Witherspoon (1723–94) by calling him “as high a Son of Liberty, as any Man in America.” Adams had visited Witherspoon in Princeton on his way to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Adams made no mistake. Less than two years later, Witherspoon was so caught up in the colonial cause that he signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the only clergyman to do so. Not only did he sign, but he also remained an active member of the Congress for the next six years. Though his support of the patriot cause was complete, he never thought of himself as a radical revolutionary or primarily a politician. Indeed, his contribution to the new America in the late eighteenth century went beyond politics to religion and education. His enduring influence, seen clearly in his Works, is more that of a churchman and educator than a statesman.

1790 - John Newton, autographed letter signed:

John Newton (1725-1807), born in London, in his early years attended school, but at the age of eleven began to serve on a merchant ship of which his father was commander. Until 1755, Newton was at sea, where he studied mathematics, the classics, and later the Bible. During that time a storm caused him, in 1748, to experience conversion. In 1760, Newton met George Whitefield and John Wesley. Their influence caused him to study Greek and Hebrew and to prepare for the ministry. At the age of thirty-nine, Newton was ordained. Newton published an autobiography entitled "The Authentic Narrative," the "Olney Sermons," and "Olney Hymns" with William Cowper; but it was for his hymns alone that Newton has his permanent recognition, the most popular being "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound." Newton was essentially Calvinistic in his theology, but found his closest associates among Wesleyans. He also took great interest in some social concerns, especially the abolition of slave trade. Toward the end of his life he lost his sight, but still continued his incessant preaching.

1791 - Francis Asbury, Ordination Certificate stamped waxed seal:

Francis Asbury (1745-1816), born in England, was converted at the age of fourteen and began lay preaching when only sixteen. He was one of the first Methodist bishops in America. Sent to America by John Wesley in 1771, he was very soon given supervision of all Methodist work in the country. His colleagues favored a more "settled" clergy, but Asbury preferred and dedicated his life to a traveling ministry. He traveled more than 270,000 miles mostly on horseback, and before his death had ordained more than four thousand preachers. Asbury also took an interest in practical areas of life, being among the first to argue against slavery and for abstinence from hard liquor.

1828 - John Quincy Adams: Poem on the 23 Psalm

John Quincy Adams: Poem on the 23 Psalm

Sixth President of the United States of America, John Quincy Adams held a strong Christian belief, which is evidenced in his ponderance of this great Psalm and his poetic rendition thereof.

1864 - Henry Ward Beecher, autographed letter signed:

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), American congregational clergyman, became one of the most widely known and popular preachers and lecturers in America. He possessed a colorful personality with great oratorical skills, which attracted many to hear him speak. Most of his life was spent pastoring the Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., which became one of the first large middle-class suburban churches in America.

Beecher edited two well-read journals, the Independent and the Christian Union, and his influence reached well beyond his own church's membership. For three consecutive years, he was invited to deliver the prestigious Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale University.

As a moderate reformer and political activist, Beecher addressed moral and social issues, preaching openly and advocating such causes as antislavery, civil corruption, and industrial issues.

1899 - William Booth autographed letter signed

William Booth (1829-1912) was born in Nottingham, England, and converted in 1844. He was moved by compassion for the churchless slum dwellers of London, and in 1865 started a mission in Whitechapel with his wife, Catherine. It was named the "Salvation Army" and Booth was its first General. He used unconventional tactics to reach the down and out, such as open-air meetings accompanied by lively music. Booth preached in taverns and jails, theaters and factories--anywhere people would listen to his message. After encountering initial opposition, the Salvation Army won widespread acceptance for its success in reclaiming the drunkard, the depraved, and the irreligious.

1915 - Billy Sunday autographed letter signed

Born in Ames, Iowa, William (Billy) Ashley Sunday (1862-1935) became America's most conspicuous evangelist of his time. He played baseball with Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh teams. He was led, through the preaching at the Pacific Garden Mission, to commit his life to Christ in 1888. After years of lay evangelism work, Sunday quit baseball to work full time for the YMCA at a great financial sacrifice. In 1896, he was invited to Garner, Iowa, to conduct a revival. From that time on, he was never without invitations to preach.