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Smith praises Fitch's calm resolve in the midst of intense controversy at the College. He discusses Bp. Chase's pamphlet and instructs Fitch to keep his thoughts and words towards God while dealing with the controversy on the Hill.
Date
4-26-1832
Keywords
Mr. Smith, Mr. Hammond, Dr. Cooke, Bishop Chase, Philander Chase, Mr. Aydelott, Mr. Sparrow, General Convention, Bishop McIlvaine, pamphlet, Sayer
Recommended Citation
Smith, B.B., "Letter to C.W. Fitch" (1832). Philander Chase Letters. 923.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/923
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Transcript
B.B. Smith
Lexington, April 26. 1832.
Rev. and very dear Brother,
I was very glad indeed to see Mr. Smith directly from College Hill, and to learn from him how truely [sic] you are prospering amid all the rage of most painful & humiliating controversy. Let me beseech you to keep cool; and by daily & repeated applications to the throne of all grace to reclaim such a view of the gentleness and forbearance of a suffering Savior, as shall constrain you, in [every] - the slightest remark by word or writing, to evince his spirit.
There are some rough businesslike sayings in Mr. Hammond’s editorial (which Dr. Cooke agreed with me in thinking was all the answer the Bishops Pamphlet really demanded) and also one rough place, the scene where the Bp. refuses to do what every humble christian ought, in Br. Aydelott’s Answer, which we could have wished to have been omitted altogether. On the whole however, the facts of Mr. Hammond’s short piece, and the spirit of Br. Aydelott’s afford a refreshing contrast to much that is most bitterly humiliating in the Bp’s. Tocsin.
I doubt not but Br. Sparrow will imitate all that is wise and kindly in Br. Aydelotts piece, and I pray God that he may have grace to avoid all that is unwisely or unkindly said. Still, I greatly fear he will not. What more than angelic feelings must he have, who is not ruffled by the deep surges of controversy! What more than Christian armour must he wear, who is not seriously wounded in his best interests by being dragged into you[r] late & present painful circumstances? I pray God, that, seeing more of the evil of your hearts, and the want of wisdom [and] very best counsels, you may all make such attainments, in profound humility, as may make you better, holier, and more useful men, for the time to come. I speak not thus, as though you “were sinners above all”: on the contrary I thank God for the grace given unto you in your most trying circumstances; but as your brother beloved, I admonish you, lest Satan by any means should get the advantage over you. If we would at all times have that mind which was in Christ, let us look to it that we live near to him; and that no day passes without our calling often to mind the sufferings of Him, who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not, “but trusted all in the hands of his Father.
I receive from no authentic quarter over the slightest intimation of what General Convention, or dear Br. McIlvaine will do in your most interesting affairs. At the same time I see no reason for changing or even modifying my views upon this subject, as expressed in my last letters. Let your appeal be made to the Great Head of the Church, and the decision cannot but be favourable.
I would rather that my name had not been dragged into Bp. Chases Pamphlet; but I had no idea of blaming you for it. I tried to do my duty towards you in the most respectful & kindly manner I could towards the Bp: and what he or others men may thing, cost me not a [?] pain.
Sayer is here, much improved, and afford[ed] a very valuable addition to our theological class which now consists of 6. -- 3 of which are within a year of so or applying for orders. I like your Mr. Smith so much that I should have been tempted to have beset him to remain here, but conscience would not allow me to do otherwise than I would be done by. The Lord give both you & us, scores of more of much better men than he is.
Affectionately yours, &c
B.B. Smith