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The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
Bishop McIlvaine wonders how long it will be before the Church can regain its good reputation following the Carey debacle. Further, he believes that any decisions made in Texas should wait until the General Convention.
Date
8-16-1843
Keywords
Charles McIlvaine, Philander Chase, Arthur Carey, Episcopal Church, Protestant Church, Oxford Movement, religion, General Convention
Recommended Citation
McIlvaine, Charles, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1843). Philander Chase Letters. 1198.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1198
Rights Statement
Transcript
Gambier August 16. 1843
Right Rev. & dear Sir,
On my recent arrival at home from the East, I received yours of July 31, on enquiring my opinion concerning the recent ordination of Mr. Carey in N. York. I feel no hesitation in answering: that I am very far from being satisfied therewith. I think a great injury has been done to the character of the Church & that the interests of truth & piety, of our Protestant Church & the Gospel committed to her trust, as the pillar & ground thereof, most solemnly demand that, in some way or other, the matter should be judicially investigated, & the honour of the church vindicated. The excitement is very great, especially among the laiety--confidence in our institutions is greatly shaken & it will take many years to wear away the prejudices which the present state of things has excited against them. I have recently been in circumstances to hear & learn much of the feeling of the laiety. The general voice is that the Gen. Seminary must go down unless something be done to “[define] its position” better than is now the case. I have beard many express the opinion that al the general institutions of the Church will suffer materially in the support of the laiety. What is proper to be done, I am not prepared to express an opinion. What is a letter [?] from the Bp. of N. York worth as a certificate that A.B. has not so far as he knows & believes, been guilty liable to evil [report] for error in religion, until we know better what he thinks error in religion? I really feel as if it were of no force-- & yet to refuse to receive such a letter, [were] to break communion with that Bp.
I should think that with regard to the Episcopate in Texas, all matters should be deferred till the next Gen. Convention, which, I fear, will be in troublous times.
Hoping you have been recovered from your late illness & have regained your accustomed health, I remain
Very truly
Your friend & brother
Chas. P. McIlvaine.