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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 Meade agrees with Chase that "Romanism" is a threat to the Church. He encourages Chase to write a letter to be presented at the next General Convention expressing his worries.
Date
10-14-1843
Keywords
Bishop Onderdonk, Romanism, Catholicism, General Convention, Episcopal Church, religion, Bishop Hopkins
Recommended Citation
Meade, William, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1843). Philander Chase Letters. 1211.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1211
Rights Statement
Transcript
Charlotteville[sic] Oct 14’h 1843.
Right Rev’d & Dear Sir,
I cannot forbear thanking you for your most excellent circular to the Bishops on the danger of approaching too near to Rome. She is coming near enough to us; we need not meet her on the way. I have expressed my sentiments on the subject in a letter to the Banner, which I have just written. You have a task before you this year, which require all the wisdom & grace you can obtain to execute well I mean the preparation of a Pastoral letter for the next General Convention. It is probably in that [way] alone that the [worried] voice of the Church can be heard. I trust you will be sustained by a large majority of the Bishops. I hear from good authority that Bishop Hopkins who says that hitherto he has spoken & thought [gently] & [charitably] of the Tractarious & the [?], now discloses he can do it no longer. We are in danger on all hands. Depend upon it, our convent, for other denominations & on addition for the uncommitted part of the community will be greatly lessened. Our laity male & female are pressed on all hands with question as to our principles, & they come to the Clergy for an answer. And what answer can they give? Can they say with Bishop Onderdonk that all power is in the hands of the Bishop & the [?] of God-- it will not do. When a Bishop acts like a venerable Patriarch, he will be venerated accordingly, not otherwise. I would not reduce it an inch below the sculptural [?], but we must not raise it above.
I have taken a piece of [?] paper all I had, & [?] a hurried moment to send you my thanks. I expect to be in this place in about 17 days for this & in Richmond on the 17th of November, & shall be glad to hear from you. Is it a secret to whom you wrote your letter.
Your very [loving]
W Meade