Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr Stuart', together with manuscript of 'Open Church Declaration [...] written by Dr Joseph Parker at Ventnor | Sept 5 1889'.

Non-conformist divine, theologian, preacher and miscellaneous writer (1830-1902). The letter: two pages (on first leaf of bifoliate), 12mo, very good though a little grubby. The declaration: one page, 12mo, creased and grubby. A line from the 'P' of Parker's florid signature on the letter extends horizontally across to the recto of the otherwise blank second leaf of the bifoliate, the verso of which is glued to a quarto leaf. The declaration is glued over the second leaf of the letter, partly obscuring the tip of the signature line. Letter informs Stuart that Parker does not at present 'know of any newspaper vacancies anywhere. I wish I did. dont act hurriedly, wd. be my suggestion if you gave me permission to make one. I fancy your purpose wd. be best met by a face to face interview with some spirited editor.' He can depend on Parker's 'co-operation in any reasonable degree.' He has 'pleasant remembrances of [Stuart's] kindness' whilst he was at Ventor. The 'Declaration' reads: 'Xy [^ - ie Christianity -] as expounded by the Christ & lived by the Christ is the sublimest idea known to human history, & will do more for mankind than can be done by any other thought known to human intelligence.'