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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

May, Samuel J. (Samuel Joseph) (1797-1871) to James Savage

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05508.183 Author/Creator: May, Samuel J. (Samuel Joseph) (1797-1871) Place Written: Brooklyn, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 March 1831 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. 25.6 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy

May asks Savage to read the new edition of his book, "Letter to Dr. Hawes," and to use his knowledge of early New England history to correct any mistakes. He asks Savage to pay special attention to the letter on the pilgrims, and discusses the pilgrims motives for coming to the new world. He also mentions Mrs. Hutchinson and Mr. Cotton, who were responsible for bringing the Doctrines of Grace to public favor, and compares modern Calvinism to "the Antinomianism of 1636." May asks if early New England Churches used creeds or formalities of faith.

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