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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
Chase tells Rev. Ward how much he enjoyed staying with him in Horkesley. He reminiscences on his time with Ward and his family and regrets that he will not see them again as he must be leaving England soon and will have to go to Devonshire and Bristol first.
Date
6-22-1824
Keywords
Great Horkesley, Mr. Marriott, Rev. Mr. Sims, New York, Ohio, Devonshire, Bristol, New Hampshire, Vermont
Recommended Citation
Chase, Philander, "Letter to Rev. W. Ward" (1824). Philander Chase Letters. 400.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/400
Rights Statement
Transcript
10 Featherstone Building
22nd of June 1824
Rev. and very Dear Sir,
If I were asked, at what house in England I have taken the most christian satisfaction in the same space of time; it would not seem strange were my heart to respond immediately “that of the Rev. Mr. Ward Great Horkesley near Maryland.” If an explanation were demanded, I should be equally prompt, but should have many things to say The account would be divided into Chapters
I. I should have something to say of yourself how we met in your blooming fields, and how soon we were “acquaint”
II. Mrs W. that nameless air of dignity and love, which, like the radiance around the head of the prophet is visible to all but the one who in meekness wears it: this should fill up the second Chapter.
III. This should be explained in describing your dinner party. (X see this mark on fourth page) The Rev. Mr. Sims and others with their sage remarks; the reminiscences of good and sainted Jones how he did in faith of a heavenly Canaan, his favorite topic--how he blessed the Lord that Jordan’s flood was
What have I for the IV Chapter? Let your daughters come in for their full share in this book of delights. Flowers they are of the sweetest fragrance--wet with the dews of Heavenly Grace, they bend their meek heads to the Day Spring from On High the dawn the sun of Righteousness. O may His rays ever beam gently on them! Not in a consuming fire, but in the effulgence of love as of glory, thro’ the covering of the Tabernacle (St John 1.14) till changing more and more from flowers to fruit, they at length become fit for their Heavenly Masters use.
Dear Friend--This is indeed a florid and a fruitful subject; and, if it do but lead as to our prayers, so much the better. I love a garden and I love innocence, for they were man’s chief enjoyments before the fall. And if even now we would be happy (happy as this poor world can make us) we must seek the new Eden and the innocence of Jesus.
I can hardly bring myself to believe, much less to tell you, notwithstanding all my endeavours, I can not go again to Horkesley. It grieves me to the heart to think I can no more see you on this side of Heaven. My pressing necessity of returning immediately to Ohio--forbids me the pleasure of seeing you and your lovely family--Gods will be done.
The month of September is the only month in which it is even tolerable to a young and tender family in passing from N. York to Ohio (600 miles)--One fortnight in preparation and nine or twelve days in going to N. Hampshire and Vermont to see my Brothers and 1 month in crossing the Atlantic. What portion of time then remains for me in England? Very little. The 16 of next month is the furthest. In the meanwhile I must go to Devonshire-Bristol. O my Dear Friend you and I must meet hereafter only at the throne of grace. We have one heaven to go to; there let us meet often in prayer, and finally in happiness.
P. Chase
X Stayed by the ark of God’s covenant in Jesus Christ, so that even he, who had dreaded death, thro’ the whole journey of life, now saw in [?] no terrors. “If this be dying, my fears were groundless,” said he, and leaped upon the heavenly shore. (P.S. written on the 23) I have just come from Portman Square. The Lord Bishop of Salisbury not only gave me a frank, but begged me to add his most affectionate regards to yourself and all the family in which he was joined by all three the ladies. His Lordship has become a Subscriber to the Ohio fund. I shall leave town for Devonshire on Monday next. May God almighty bless and serve you all through Jesus Christ our Lord--Amen.
How from the borders of your globe, and summit of your hill, you, like Moses on Pisgah, pointed out the goodly laud before us--a land not indeed of promise, but of sweet remembrance--for such it was to the noble Kenyon, lingering with moistened eye behind us and relating to his and our good friend Marriott how in that loved spot, in that lone Village (now so much esteemed) he had been taught the ways of wisdom by Jones of Nayland.