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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 reflects on a time when his parents complained of the pains of old age now that he is experiencing them himself.
Date
1-22-1851
Keywords
Philander Chase, Rachel Denison, Dudley Chase I, Alice Corbett Chase, old age, pain, weather, spring, winter, horses
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rachel Denison Sr. (sister)" (1851). Philander Chase Letters. 1364.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1364
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Transcript
Jub. Coll. Jan 22 - 51
Dear Sister
Last night while suffering much pain and distressing feelings incident to old age, I thought of you, my only sister: And then my thoughts went back to the time when you, with your infant James came down from Royalton to Cornish to nurse and comfort our dear Mother suffering as I do. I forbore to wake any one; nor did she. My wife slept on, as you did in another room. The want of sympathy from an earthly relative was abundantly compensated by the presence of a vivid faith in Jesus who died for our sins and rose again to life for our justification. I think the nature of this faith is set forth in the words which the Saviour spoke to Martha She had just professor her full belief in the doctrine of a general resurrection. “I know” says she “that my brother shall rise again at te resurrection” Then Jesus, to indicate the power of this faith him as always present saith “I am the Resurrection and the life, He that believeth in me tho’ he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth & believeth in me shall never die”
We can not reach a Reality nor present but faith can do it: and thats sufficient for the present: and wakes the song of joy even on the bed of sickness.
“Oh my dear Father” our mother used to say to our Earthly Parent “When shall we be in heaven together?” He used to say “whenever God pleaseth” and that’s enough to quiet all our pains and anxieties for the present”
It is good for us, Dear Sister, that we have, in addition to all other mercies from God, such an example to follow now undergoing the same sufferings in approaching the grave
The morning of this the 22d day of Jan is uncommonly pleasant. It seems like a may day morn though there is still frost in the earth.
Henry’s little boys Dudley and Frank having eaten their breakfast before day came over from the Robins N. with their Father and are with us at prayers with two orphan children whose parents died in Peoria about a year since. They all say amen and the Lord’s Prayer with us.
We are all well in the College Hill. Samuel now the Rev. Dr. Chamberlain here yesterday and though suffering by reason of a slight head-ache seemed in good spirits and truly thankful to God for his Twin Children. They do grow and promise to do well--though so small and unpromising at their birth. Sarah their Mother is quite well--also dear Lucia their grand Mother is in good Healthy and brooding over her offspring with maternal satisfaction.
I am better since I’ve eaten my breakfast. If it were not that the warm weather will cause the streets to be muddy I should think of taking some exercise in walking.
Perhaps the horses may be spared to drive me out in the Quaker Coach a little this pleasant day and in filling Ice Houses in carting coal and boards and posts and Manure &c* so that I must be content to stay at home & read my book and say my prayers for all who love me & give me means to go on with the great work given e to do before I die.
I have now nearly finished my talkative letter and feel much relieved by my pains, from the bare reflection that it will be read by my much loved only Sister from her loving brother
Philander
*8 horses are turning the wheel of the sawmill at [Tehoah], 2 or 3 miles from this