|
|
|
|
CATALOGUE  ART
|
 Back to Listing
|
|
|
"I WAS LIVING WITHOUT GOD AND WITHOUT HOPE"
Livingstone, David (1813 - 1873)
An important and early three-page autograph letter signed by David Livingstone ("David Livingston"). Written from Kurkman, South Africa, and dated 7th July 1843, Livingstone pens a frank letter to Thomas Dick, whose work 'The Philosophies of a Future State', which stated that Science was not opposed to Christianity, had had a great influence on him. In this letter, Livingstone effectively sets out his reasons for embarking on a career as a missionary. In full, "Sir, A desire to write you a few words expressive of my gratitude for your work entitled 'The Philosophy of a Future State' has for years been pressing on my mind. But an unwillingness to intrude myself into spheres higher than my own has always prevented me. I have written you more than once but after writing, the letters have always lain by me. The date of one now before me is 24th October 1840 and the many interesting associations with your writings which were lately recalled by the late splendid comet have induced me to resolve upon delaying no longer. If I procrastinate I fear the opportunity may be denied me on Earth and I may have to apologize for it in Heaven. I beg then that though an entire stranger and one whom you will probably never see in the body you will not consider me an impertinent intruder. I am conscious no words can adequately express the gratitude I feel for the conviction which you as the instrument brought to my mind. I was living without God and without hope in the world but the spirit of God by the reading of your book caused me to see the prospect awaiting my mild career. I found space to devote myself to Him who died to save, and resolve thence forward only to live to spread the blessings of the gospel throughout the world. Many years were afterwards spent in acquiring knowledge whereby I might carry out that ? mild efficient practice. I passed through the usual medical curriculum and was approved for that profession, and after a subsequent theological education was ordained in London and have now been two years in Africa a missionary of the London missionary society. Allow me now to beg you will accept my warmest thanks. I am under deep obligations to you and though I know no word can repay what I owe, I derive some satisfaction from the thought that this verbal expression of my gratitude may impart to you a little encouragement in prosecuting your labours for the benefit of your fellow men. Mine is I trust, not the only case of benefit received through your instrumentality. May the God of all grace strengthen you to proceed and may yours at last be the position (?) on those who have turned many to righteousness. I beg here to subscribe myself, Gratefully yours, David Livingston. P.S. I must apologise for not being able to prepay this beyond Cape Town. The Post Office regulations forbid it. I am sorry but can't refrain from sending you an unpaid letter of thanks. D.L." Heavy creases and tears and paper loss to the folds on the first two pages. Heavy folds, substantial paper loss and crude repairs to the third page, which contains on the post-script (and has the address panel to the reverse, also in Livingstone's hand). A fascinating letter, apparently unpublished. Accompanying this letter is a ten-page partial draft of Thomas Dick's response, possibly in the hand of a secretary, dated 8th January 1857. The letter makes interesting reference to Livingstone's that was received "about 8 or 10 years ago", going on to explain the reasons for the long delay, including a report that he had heard about Livingstone having been attacked by a lion.
Price: £4,750.00
Sold
|
| |
|
NEW
CATALOGUE
)
Terms and Conditions|Bookmark this site