Review of Chapter 8 - practice of dueling

In Chapter 8, "Peck's Other Ministry to the Greater Society," we see John Mason Peck in another light. He took on the practice of dueling.

"Soon after arriving in the 'wild west' town of St. Louis, one of the first things Peck fought against was the practice of dueling. Peck saw the destruction of young, promising lives by this practice, including a prominent attorney and his brother in St. Louis. Within a year, Peck had had enough and announced from the pulpit that he would preach on the subject at his next monthly appointment in 1823, stating emphatically: 'would not spare.' Before the next month arrived, two more duels had occurred. At the scheduled time, Peck stood in the pulpit of the newly constructed First Baptist Church, located on the corner of Third and Market Streets, St. Louis. His text was taken from Isaiah 1:15, the last clause: 'Your hands are full of blood.' The building was packed, and Peck delivered a passionate address from his manuscript, having taken precaution 'to write out every word of [his] discourse,' a practice he used on special occasions. He later recalled, 'I did my utmost to hold up the practice of dueling to the abhorrence of all right-minded men, as a crime of no small magnitude against God, against man, against society.' Peck also noted, 'The discourse made a little "town-talk" in the village, and I received the thanks and approbation of many citizens.' Peck’s address apparently played a role in abolishing the evil practice of dueling in Missouri." 

Our latest book soon to be in print is John Mason and Sarah Paine Peck, Missionaries Extraordinaire, written by Myron Dillow. It is 384 pages, hardcover cloth vellum, smyth sewn binding, indexed and illustrated. Anticipated to be released by the end of October.