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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
Mary expresses deep sympathy and admiration for Chase after having read Mr. West's pamphlet. She also asks his opinion on a book which purports that American Indians are the lost tribes of Israel.
Date
12-28-1830
Keywords
George Montgomery West, G. M. West, Mr. West, Barbara Simon, American Indians, Judaism, Mr. Marsh
Recommended Citation
Ward, Mary Caroline, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1830). Philander Chase Letters. 869.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/869
Rights Statement
Transcript
Bishop’s Court. Isle of Mann.
Decr. 28. 1830.
Very dear Bishop Chase.
I hardly know how to address you on a subject which must be so painful to your feelings as that which has occupied so much of our thoughts since we heard of it; but as Papa is writing and has promised to enclose my letter, which your past kindness emboldens me to beleive [sic] will not be unwelcome. I must express to you the deep concern with which we have read Mr. Wests Pamphlet. We know that the God in Whom you trust is able to diliver [sic] you, we know that He can & will “bring Good out of this seeming evil,” we know that He purifies His choicest gold in the hottest furnace, and that all those who stand before the Lamb in glory, are brought out of great tribulation: all this thru God’s grace we know & believe, & this has been our comfort in thinking of your trials most dear & respected Servant of our Lord. When we think what a wonderful instrument of His glory He has made you on Earth, we are not surprised that He should bring you thro’ the fire to prepare you for His glory in Heaven. & well assured that in Christ Jesus all the promises of God are [yea] & amen for even we know that “when thou passest thro’ the waters He will be with thee, & thro’ the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest thro’ the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” - we trust that when the winds & waves are [roaring], you will hear His voice encouraging you & saying “Fear not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” We are very [anxious] to hear from yourself, how you are & how things are going on in Ohio - the only pleasant sentence to our ears in the Pamphlet was that which held out to us a hope that you would visit us again in person - this would indeed be welcome news to those who so love & revere your name, could we hear it confirmed by your own pen. We found it difficult at first to comprehend the meaning of what we heard & read about this sad affair: we have not yet seen the account of the Convention with your address, but Mr. West has endeared you to our hearts still more by the few [extracts] from your letters [?] - which he has given. We cannot but feel the weight of this trial, both as it regards your own feelings, & the interests of the cause you love. May the Holy Comforter infuse into your heart an abundance of that peace & Joy of which the world knows nothing: “the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him,” & the weakest child who has “[trusted] that the Lord is gracious” may sympathise with the most exalted Saint who has proved His faithfulness thro’ a lengthened Pilgrimage - this must pleed [sic] my excuse for thus venturing to address these few lines, to one for whom I feel such sincere veneration & christian love whom I must ever regard as a Father-in-Christ let the World & the Devil say what they will
Beleive [sic] me very dear Bishop Chase
ever your gratefully affectionate
Mary Caroline Ward
We have lately read a book about the North American Indians which has greatly interested us - it is called “Presumptive evidence that the aborigenes [sic] of America are the ten lost tribes of Israel - several extracts from the “star in the West,” led me to think that you had perhaps taken an interest in the enquiry. “Barbara Simon” is the name of the authoress. We have been endeavouring to establish a Jews Society in this little Island. & I trust even the attempt will bring us a blessing. I could [wish] we had succeeded better. Mr. Marsh came over to preach for it last Autum [sic]. I know not how a Christian can be deaf to their claims. Pray let us know your opinion about this book if you have seen it. & the subject if you have considered it. I trust we may anticipate with joy, the near approach of that day, when the Lord will bring again the captivity of His people, & when we shall behold His glory. I see Him as He is. When the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God & of His Christ - when His people shall dwell in a “[quiet] habitation” “where the wicked cease from troubling & the weary are at rest.” - if I should be denied the privilege of meeting you again on earth - my hope is that I shall see you there - thro’ Him who died for us & rose again & who ever liveth to make intercession for us. I trust this sacred season has found you rejoicing in sorrow & your health uninjured, this is what are [sic] very anxious to hear from yourself.