Files
Download Full Text (2.3 MB)
Content Warning
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
Excerpts from Gambier's letter of the 11th copied, letter was shown to Mr. Pratt, who agrees that Gambier is an exemplary Christian man. Pratt advises Chase not to go to war with Hobart.
Date
12-15-1823
City
London, England
Keywords
England voyage, Lord Gambier, Josiah Pratt, Henry Clay, Bp. Hobart, see also K.Ch.231211a
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Timothy Wiggin" (1823). Philander Chase Letters. 157.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/157
Rights Statement
Transcript
10. Featherstone Buildings
London Dec 15 1823
My very dear Friend:
On the day in which you had the goodness to write me yours of the 11th Lord Gambier wrote me from Puttenham, of which the following is a copy:
Puttenham [?] Guilford Dec 11 1823 Dec 11 1823
“My dear Sir,
In the course of the conversation which I had the pleasure of holding with you on the object of your visit to this country, I observed to you that it was the opinion of some person, that we had, in this land, so many claims upon the benevolent to support our own numerous [religious] and other institutions that it was not to be expected that we should be called upon to contribute towards the necessities of other countries. I must candidly confess that I was of this opinion: but, upon further reflection and consideration of the subject, I must retract that opinion, and declare that I think it is not only the duty of every individual among us by every means in our power to promote the spreading of Divine Truth, and the Blessed Gospel of Salvation, through the world; but also that every sincere believer will upon due consideration of the subject be disposed to contribute towards the wants and necessities of those in foreign lands, not of our own nation, who are furnishing for the lack of knowledge and the benefits of the ordinances of God: for it must not be forgotten that all Christians of every kindred and nation upon Earth have one common Saviour - One Lord - one faith - one baptism - one God and Father of us all! Ought there then to be any distinction of nation or people in the Church of Christ?
Without entering into any further arguments or considerations on the subject, I must declare my fill conviction that circumstances as are the widely scattered people of your extensive Diocese, and the great want they are in of Pastors and Teachers your plan for the education, and training of the Episcopal Church must be generally approved; and your zealous, disinterested, and pious exertions in coming to this country for assistance towards the establishing the proposed college, will I hope, prove successful: and that the blessing of our gracious Lord will be shed abundantly upon your pious labours to promote the extension of the Redeemer’s kingdom throughout the world.
I remain My Dear Sir with sincere regard and great esteem
Your faithful and most humb. Friend and Lord
Gambier”
A [copy] of the above was sent to Mr. W. [?] Friend with the following remarks under date of the 15th of Dec. 1823
Of the intent as well as meaning of the above letter you are a better judge than myself. My impression was: that his Lordship recollecting something (and I assure you it was but a hint) in his conversation that resembled the former part of this letter (from which I thought by his kindness to me in his subsequent behaviour he had receded even before I left him) felt fearful it might depress me too much; and out of the abundance of his good heart took this marked manner of making amends for the pain he thought he had implied! Behold in him the true Christian. May the Benignant Saviour whom this nobleman so closely imitates rewards him with everlasting blessings!
I thought it my duty as well as interest to show this letter to Mr. Pratt. “It is just like him,” said Mr. P. “he is all goodness; and though he is in comparison of the rest of the hereditary nobility but poor; yet he will give [us] his ability.”
I wrote him as respectful acknowledgement of the [favour] he had done me as was in my power.
Mr. Pratt is waiting for an answer to the letter which he wrote to Lord G. In the meantime he is projecting a scheme in my [favour].
Being aware of my fixed determination for the love of God, the peace of his Church, and the honour of the Episcopal character, not to go into a personal war the Bp. Hobart, which determination though it deprive me of ten thousands of money to be gained even by a just and righteous defense; and send me home comparatively penniless Mr. P. and all my friends can’t but approve he has projected this plan.
“I will write or cause to be written,” says he “a pamphlet to be signed “by a clergyman of the Ch. of Engd. This shall give a history of the Church in Ohio. The journals of your convention and the documents in your possession shall form the material of of which this history will be compiled. It shall speak of you and your labours; and describe the need of clergymen among you: and in answer to the question how to be supplied with them? Your plan for a theological school will be delineated: and the public called upon to aid you in carrying it into effect. [?]
To this will be appended, or in a separate paper set forth the manner of your introduction to this country, thro. Mr. Clay or Lord Gambier; and the confidence that these [gentlemen] place in your character and worth. All this last appendage to be approved and perhaps signed by his Lordship himself.
No mention is to be made of the Bp. of N.Y. not even a hint at his being in the country. But it is understood that all his specious arguments and misstatements are to be done away in the narration or argument tho. as if he had never made them.
This says Mr. P. will accomplish your object, tho it is to be feared but in part, without breaking the bonds of charity to which you are so much averse. And I must confess it will be better for you to go back to America with a small [?] in peace, than a great deal and contention therewith. Bp. H has thrown the gauntlet. A wicked world is expecting you’ll take it up and go to war. Disappoint them and thus imitate your Master. You stand on a pinnacle of glory: from which you can survey the world below you while you yourself bask in the sunshine of peace.
I showed Mr. P. your letter with which he was amazingly pleased. Do write often to one who constantly prays for you and Mrs. Wiggin
Phil. Chase