Address extract, signed as president, on an off-white 7 x 9 sheet of White House letterhead, taken from an address delivered in Denver on the 300th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. Headed at the top “Extract from an address delivered in the Auditorium, Denver, Colorado, on the occasion of the Tercentenary Celebration of the Translation of the Bible into the English Language, May 7, 1911.” The extract reads: “I ask of every man and woman in this audience that from this night on they will realize that part of the destiny of America lies in their daily perusal of this great book of revelations—that if they would see America free and pure they will make their own spirits free and pure by this baptism of the Holy Scripture.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, postmarked January 25, 1916, and a 1916 TLS from Wilson’s secretary, acknowledging the signature. In fine condition, with a couple small creases, and some scattered light toning and soiling.
At the time of his Denver address, Wilson was New Jersey’s governor and quickly making a name for himself in political circles for his independent methods—essentially paving the way for his own “destiny” and his election to the presidency in 1912. As the son of a theologian, Wilson’s life was filled with religion, and so the politician was a logical choice to deliver an address on the anniversary of the 1611 translation of what was to be known as the King James Version of the Bible. Not surprisingly, his religious views became the driving force behind many of his policies including his desire for world peace. A unique and seldom-seen blend of religion and politics. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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