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The Charles P. McIlvaine 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
About Mr. Boyle
Date
7-7-1862
Keywords
letter, Bedell, McIlvaine, Boyle
Recommended Citation
Bedell, Bishop, "Letter to C.P McIlvaine" (1862). Charles Pettit McIlvaine Letters. 252.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/mcilvaine_letters/252
Rights Statement
Transcript
Shatford (Conn) July 11 1862
My dear Bishop,
Enclosed is Bp Hopkins letter. Mr. Boyle was supported by Mr. Edward [Cowe]: through the whole of this past year at my earnest request. They were not satisfied; and became more and more dissatisfied. After a free comparison of views--Smith Mc[?] Clement and my own--Mr. [Cowe] dropped him at their last meeting.
The reasons were not any doubts as to his capacity. He is a fine student and has made good progress. The reasons were.
Doubts as to his genuine piety. I had conversations with him. After as much probing as possible, I was forced to tell him that I doubted whether he had ever been converted. I have strong doubts: so much so that I should not accept him as a candidate were it a new question.
It follows upon this, that Mr. [Cowe]: had reason to think he was depending upon them to get an education, not with any ardent desire to preach Christ crucified and save souls.
Several [?] confirmed these views. He did not attend religious meetings until [?] with, and then, as we feared, surely because he supposed it would be agreeable to us.
He never asked for employment as S.S. [?] until he learned that we were doubting in his case. He told me that during the 7 years of his being a [?] Christian he had never done anything to benefit anyone spiritually. This was supposed to indicate the character of his religion--or rather want of it.
In my opinion, he has not the spiritual gratification for the Ministry. I see no sign of a decisive call.
In Mr. Hodgkinson’s case, I will forward the letters to you as soon as I can reach my trunk, next week.
We reached Stratford by way of Cumberland, Washington and [?] yesterday evening. We left Gambier on July 3rd. Will write more at length hereafter.
After in [?]
G. J. Bedell
On back: Bp. Bedell about [J.] Boyle, July 11, 1862