Memoir of Rev. Levi Parsons, Late Missionary to Palestine. In Three Parts

Poultney, VT: Printed by Smith & Shute, 1824. First Edition. 431pp. Duodecimo [18 cm] Full brown calf with a gilt stamped red label and gilt bands to the backstrip. Very good. Lengthy contemporary inscription on the front free endsheet. Frontis portrait present. This work by Rev. Levi Parson discusses at length his preaching to a group of Native Americans in New York, and his belief that they were descendants of the Israelites. "Mr. Parsons had for years desired an opportunity of preaching to the American natives. This desire was granted. On the 7th of April he visited the Stockbridge Indians under the care of the Rev. John Sergeant. Great preparations (truncated) were made to receive him. It was at a late hour when he arrived, and though worn down with excessive fatigue, the site of Indian blankets excited unusual animation. Never probably did he preach with more fervour; and the thought that his audience might be the descendants of Abraham inspired an ardour entirely unexpected. Knowing that Parsons was headed to the Holy Land, the Indian chief 'then read a talk in Indian and in English, which he desired Mr. Parsons to deliver to the Jews, their forefathers in Jerusalem." p.217. Levi Parsons(1792-1822) was born in Goshen, MA. He attended Middlebury College which he followed with Theological training at Andover Theological Seminary beginning in 1814, and ending in 1817. He was ordained in the same year. He was sent as a missionary to Egypt in 1817-1822. Mormon Parallel 258. Sabin 50995. (Inventory #: 9915)