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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 writes to his sister Rachel about the death of their sister Alice Chase. He laments that he's now been left with her as his only remaining sister out of six, but assures her that Alice's soul is now with God.
Date
12-23-1844
Keywords
Philander Chase, Rachel Denison, Alice Chase, death, illness, religion
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rachel Denison" (1844). Philander Chase Letters. 1236.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1236
Rights Statement
Transcript
New York 23 of December 1844
Dear Sister Rachel:
I am in my room all alone and have no one to talk with about our dear Sister Alice who has just left us for a world of spirits. May I not support your (now my only Sister) so dear to me (as ones own self is dear) are now with me and listening to my words?
Well then Alice is gone before us; as we verily believe to Heaven. Her spirit is now set free from the infirmities of her frail frame and at this moment is conversing with our loved Parents and with my dear first wife and loved first Philander. They are all exceedingly happy so as we can not conceive-- yet not so much so as they will beat the Resurrection when they’ll join their bodies Then shall be brought to pass the complete triumph of Christ over the grace O Death where is thy [sting]! O Grave where is thy Victory!
In this true Christian faith that it is so ought we not to rejoice rather than mourn? Yes; you’ll say, yet nature has he[r] claims. I know it-- and so let her voice be heard and so permit her tears to flow-- not on Alice’s account but on our own.
Availing myself of this myself of this privilege I do weep that I see my sisters face no more. My tears come to my relief when my heart is bursting-- Yet when thus relieved I feel calm & look up and say Gods will be done. and then I reflect how good God is that he hath left me one sister yet, in whom to centre all my paternal affections. Dear Sister Rachel this is indeed true. We have lived together when children, & youths many years and loved each other dearly-- yet now that I have no sister but you out of six that adorned our fathers family I love you more than ever, and while I do so I implore heavens choicest blessing on your precious head. God the Father God the Son & God the Holy Ghost bless presence and keep you: May He lift up the hight[sic] of his countenance upon you & be gracious unto you; and give you peace both now and evermore.
And now Dear Sister let us remember that we soon shall be permitted to follow our dear Sister Alice-- The day is coming and will be here soon very soon
Let us then renew our strength in the Lord-- Let us pray continually for grace to continue faithful unto the end. Let us listen to no syren song which might avert our attention from the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus-- Till the last day of our lives-- yea to the last moment let us keep our eye on the Star-- the Bright star of the morning-- which will lead us to peace. Christ’s blood is shed-- tis this alone which cleaneth from all sins Hold Ghost washeth us therein from all sin. Blessed tidings! What believing soul can doubt of this? I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the Latter day upon the Earth & tho after my skin [worms] destroy this body yet; in my flesh I shall see God whom I shall see for my self and not another”-- Thus are we consoled and comforted by the Consolation of our holy Religion
May this be yours & mine now and ever Amen
Your faithful and affectionate Brother Philander