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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
Philander Chase tells his granddaughter about the mild winter Illinois has had. He then tells her the "Pastoral Letter" of Bishop Onderdonk will reach her soon and asks her not to let it turn her against him, as he does not support either Calvinism or Romanism. He says he will publish his rebuttal and defense of an investigation into Arthur Carey soon but that it won't be circulated widely.
Date
2-26-1844
Keywords
Philander Chase, Laura Chase, Bishop Onderdonk, Benjamin T. Onderdonk, Arthur Carey, Pastoral Letter, Calvinism, Univeralism, Unitarianism, Romanism, John Henry Newman, New York, Episcopal Church, Protestant Church, Protestant Church of England, Oxford Movement, religion, theology
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Laura Chase" (1844). Philander Chase Letters. 1218.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1218
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Transcript
My dear Grand Daughter Laura.
You see I am always more prompt than you in my correspondence.
I am glad to hear that Aunt Denison is better. I wish you had said something more about my beloved Brother Dudley. If I come to Vermont in my visit to the east next summer and fall it will be to see this the dearest object of my earthly affection. But to ensure me any pleasure in anticipation of such an event he must notice me more than he does.
It seems as if the cold which we endured last winter is fallen to your lot this winter. Seldom have we enjoyed more mild weather than during the present winter in Illinois. It is now the 26th of Feb. and the air is as in April. Very few days of cold during Nov. De’r. Jan’r. and thus far into Feb’y.
The Geese of[sic] gone north and the blue birds are singing. We are preparing for ploughing, the sheep what what wolves have not destroyed are healthy & the Cows begin to give their milk & the hens have been sitting some time.
I have now turned over a new leaf-- and shall begin to speak of different things
By the time this reaches you, it is possible that the “Pastoral letter” of the Bp. of New York may have reached you. In that Instrument I am set forth as a very bad man, and much sympathy is attempted to be stirred up in the bosom of the New Yorkers against your aged G’d Father. But don’t be disturbed and unhappy on my account. I am not dead yet, nor I trust likely to be. I have not gone and turned across the mighty ocean that I might die in a [horse] [?] at last.
My answer to Bp. BTO is so insignificant a thing that I can not reasonably expect it will obtain a wide circulation. But I can wish you to see it and accordingly will [desire] a friend to send it you from N. York. But remember it was written in haste. I have thought of a thousand things more deserving a place in it than anything I have said. My mind is very clear, and I trust my heart is very right in the sight of God touching this matter. Cary’s[sic] ordination must be investigated-- and the Protestand Epis’l Church must know whereon she now stands whether on the Rock of her Salvation or on the [treated] brickbats of Dr New Man and the British Critic.
Don’t think by anything that I say against Romanism that I am going off to Geneva, NY. No. I think of that system as the article in the Xtian Witness has set forth. Do you recollect it? It has been copied in the Southern Churchman with much approbation. John Calvin led to Unitarianism and Universalism. Dr. Newman leads to Romanism. I am therefor[sic] for neither of these gentlemen nor their systems.
[I] am for the Bible as understood by the Protestant Church of Eng’d. In this faith I hope to die as I have lived in the faith of Jesus Christ who is the end of the Law to every one that Believeth to the Jew first and [?] to the Gentile. You see I am getting old: & too lazy to mend my pen: But old I am I feel a glow of tenderness for you and Eliza which I can not express.
We have his little namesake Henry’s son Dudley, with us here in the Cottage giving his grand Mother enough to do. I’ll assure you.--
That God may bless you is the prayer of your
loving G. Father
Phil’r Chase