Exceedingly rare ALS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, Park Plaza Hotel letterhead, no date. Dylan writes to a friend named Steve, who had recently enlisted in the service. In full: “We are up in Toronto singing and playing for about 3000 people a night in a downtown theatre— The Spirit of the Lord is calling people here in their beautiful and clean city but they are more interested in lining up for Apocalypse Now than to be baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost— Wanna thank you for that Bible as it is helpful in discovering a few phrases from and shedding more light on what the King James version reads— God will lift up your heart as you begin to realize that ‘He thru Christ has reconsiled [sic] man unto Himself’ (II Corinthians). You are in basic training and boot camp and I thank God you are and your commitment runs deep and you will be used to minister and break the hold of darkness in those you become face to face with— ‘Study to show thyself approval.’ You will be strong in the Lord and seeing that looks are deceiving, you will work miracles that way— He has called you to be a saint and your responsibility is to him and him alone— Be praying and not looking back no more—press on toward what is ahead— I send love to you and will pray for strength and more strength for ya— Always in the name of Jesus Christ Son of God, Manifest in the flesh.” Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Dylan’s hand to “Steve.” In very good condition, with three horizontal mailing folds, light overall soiling, overall wrinkling, and text and signature a shade light. Examples of personal correspondence from the notoriously private Dylan are few and far between. COA Roger Epperson/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
