Very attractive letter by Joseph Parker to Rev John Rawlinson, also an accomplished and established artist whose works are still sought at auction. Also, unusual on full sheet letterhead; usually Parker letters are half sheet.

Joseph Parker was of course Pastor of the famed City Temple, London; author of Preaching through the Bible [which Leonard Ravenhill called Praying through the Bible for its rich, devotional tone in addition to its expositional clarity]. The People's Bible has long been one of the true standards of expository preaching, being almost continually in print since the late 19th century. 

"April 20, 1896,

My dear Friend,

It was quite a pleasure to see your elegant penmanship amongst my letters this morning. It is the writing of a very young & skillful artist. You cannot be less than 70 on my reckoning, yet you write as if you were five & twenty. More is found somewhere!

Your kind words about the PB [People's Bible] are very cheering; the more so that I know how carefully you read & by what standard you try the author. 

All as usual here - health good. Public attention very encouraging. Brotherly intercourse most cordial. If I send you None Like It, do not trouble to reply. Alexander Thompson was very pleased with it. Next week we "breakfast" Maclaren at the occasion of his Jubilee. 

With all Kindest Wishes.
Very truly yours
Joseph Parker."