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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
Rev. Ward still wishes for Chase to write him and wants him to be appointed Bishop of Michigan. The building of college is finished and he is working on expanding his churches. He thinks that Kenyon College has too much republican principle in it to be successful.
Date
6-11-1834
Keywords
London, Hannah More, Gilead, Mrs. Ralston, Wiggin family, Bishop Ravenscroft, Jones of Nayland, Bishop White, Bishop Hobart, King William's College, Earl of Ripon
Recommended Citation
Ward, Rev. W., "Letter to Philander Chase" (1834). Philander Chase Letters. 961.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/961
Rights Statement
Transcript
23. Welton Crescent
June 11. 1834
My ever dear Friend and Brother
Do not suppose for a moment that we can ever forget you. By we I mean all the friend that have ever professed to love and venerate you. On the contrary, your adversity has excited our sympathy, increased our affection, and we feel all the veneration for you that is due to a martyr of the Church.
We are now in London, and have an opportunity of seeing all your old Friends - and I never fail in making you the subject, the worthy subject of our conversation. Honest Kenyon is your faithful and constant adherent as I am sure he has been proved to you by his communications. This information may excite and encourage you to be more frequent in your correspondence - and may encourage you in your labours.
I have not yet had an opportunity of seeing Mrs. Hannah More’s will, but I shall before I leave Town - and if I find any thing in it that concerns you, I will not delay to communicate it. The [prince] of this world, who has persecuted you, and has a desperate spite at your infant Church, and Kenyon College, has visited us, and is pulling the Mother Church to pieces. His busy Agents the Papists and Dissenters have formed coalition, determined to pull us down. But we are all alive to our danger, and putting our trust in the great Head of the Church, who has all things under his feet. I have no doubt we shall ultimately conquer. The whole Church at this moment is in a state of general excitement. Our present Ministers are endeavouring to give the Roman Catholics the ascendancy in Ireland, because the Catholics are the most numerous, the most turbulent, and the most desperately rebellious - and the Dissenters here, following their example, are [storming] the Government to get admission to our [?] and a share of our Church revenue. Time will prove how all these things will end; but at present the struggle is arduous. All this is taking place when the Church of England was never so distinguished since it has been a Church for religious zeal, [pure] doctrine, and an exemplary Priesthood. Half a century ago, the Church was comparatively asleep - and all was quiet and peaceful - the enemy was satisfied - but now that his strong holds are taken, he is up in arms, and striving to drive us with you, into the wilderness. But the great Captain of our salvation vanquished him in the wilderness, as I trust he will be in Gilead. He has stirred up your enemies to persecute you, and he has strived to stir you up to revenge and retaliation; and if he gets you to require a tooth for a tooth, he will accomplish his diabolical purpose. But I am sure you will never forget that it was a distinguishing feature of your great Lord and Master to suffer and to forgive - to [pay] and to die for the wicked, his bitter enemies. This is the victory that overcometh the devil.
I send this by Mrs. Ralston, who has been over to see her family, the good Wiggins. You have neglected writing to that family - but I am sure they merit your remembrance. She has just given me the works of your Bishop Ravenscroft, who was another Jones of Nayland. I was not aware that he was dead, which accounts for my never having an answer to a letter which I wrote him respecting you. I wrote at the same time to Bishop White, and have had an answer - kind with regard to you, but warm in praise of Bishop Hobart; whose jealousy of you I had adverted to in my letter. My wish and anxiety about you was, is, that you may be appointed to be Bishop of Michigan.
There is a Lady here who is collecting everything that she has heard of you, and seen written of you; which she means to publish as a document for Missionaries.
You will be glad to hear that my College is finished, and in full operation under a Principal Vice-Principal, and three or four Masters, having already near 100 pupils not only of the Island, but from the three kingdoms, and all this since last August when it was first opened. I have had you in my eye in framing its Constitution, “[Felisa] quam faciunt eliana [perionla] cantum.” The fabric will accommodate 300 pupils. I have erected this Building & am finishing the seventh new Church besides enlarging others, within the last four years. I have also been favoured by finding some godly and gifted ministers to fill some of these Churches. I have been reading a Charge of Bp. Ravenscroft in which he delineates the Constitution of your Episcopal Church - you have too much of republican principle in it: too much lay government. There was no such lay mixture in the primitive Church. The College of Bishops & Clergy ruled and executed all things in the House of God. You have admitted wild Boards into your vineyard, who will be always rooting up your wholesome plants. You know I do not like republicanism - it is the descendant of [Korah] & all his company. They have found their way into our councils at this moment, and [?] to overthrow Moses & Aaron, Church & King.
We shall be happy to hear from you, and shall always take an interest in your affairs. If you will always enclose to me under cover to The Earl of Ripon - Carlton Gardens, London your letter will be sure to find me wherever I may be taking care to have your letter under an ounce weight.
With the love kind remembrances of all my Family
I remain my very dear Brother
Your faithful & affecte. Friend
W. Sodor & Mann