1843 CHRISTIAN ISRAELITES & ADVENTISTS. What Strange Doctrine is This? by Margaret L. Bishop.

An exceptionally scarce imprint of an 1843 theological counterpoint to the Millerite movement. Published in New York in 1843, Margaret L. Bishop's pamphlet is a fascinating primary artifact from the "Christian Israelites" (also known as the Society Surnamed Israelites or Wroeites), a radical millenarian sect founded in England by the prophet John Wroe. Wroe taught that believers were the literal remnant of Israel called to achieve physical immortality and bodily perfection on Earth through strict adherence to Mosaic law, including circumcision, dietary rules, and letting hair and beards grow long, in anticipation of Christ's imminent thousand-year reign.

The publication year of 1843 coincided directly with the peak of Millerite Adventism in America, when William Miller and thousands of followers were eagerly awaiting Christ's second coming expected between 1843 and 1844. Margaret Bishop and her husband had just arrived in New York and were busily attempting to form a foothold for the Christian Israelites in the city. 

Bishop’s work highlights the dynamic, international cross-pollination of radical apocalyptic thought taking place in antebellum America. While Millerites and traditional Adventists emphasized a spiritualized resurrection and the physical destruction of the Earth, Bishop’s pamphlet introduced a contrasting, highly literal millenarian doctrine focused on the redemption of the physical flesh and the restoration of Israel.

Printed in New York at the Herald printing establishment, a major media hub of the era, this short treatise stands as crucial evidence of how competing radical religious movements utilized the American popular press to recruit converts, debate eschatology, and capitalize on the intense, widespread apocalyptic fervor sweeping the United States during the 1840's.

We trace no examples in the auction record or in the trade at the time of cataloging.

Bishop, Margaret L. Native of Scotland. Member of the Society Surnamed Israelites. An Answer to the Prevalent Inquiry, "What Strange Doctrine is This?" In Three Chapters. New York Printed at the Herald Printing Establishment, 97 Nassau Street. 1843. 16pp.

A good + example of an exceptionally rare imprint. Period plain green wrap, textually solid and clean with some light foxing, light chipping to foredge and some overall light handling and wrinkling to sheets.