Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1826.10.22 – Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Oct. 22nd, 1826
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 3)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1826-10-22
Rights
Public Domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Hadley Oct 22nd-1826–
Dear Edward,
I hope when Bethia is at Oswego1 we shall hear from you more frequently– and a little more particularly, Elizabeth used to do pretty well, but she now has so many associations, that there is rather a deficiency of minute occurrences, such as I always like in letters–. It is sabbath afternoon, and while you are I hope engaged in the worship of God, I am at home–writing to you–you have never given your opinion of Mr. Abell2–I hope he is a zealous liberal, devout minister of Christ–one who feels the worth of souls, and the solemn account he must give– But if ministers are accountable, are not the heavens also?–and must we not every one of us give account of ourselves to God–not only of the manner in which we hear, but of the manner in which we spend every sabbath and perform every duty–and how seriously ought we to ask ourselves, whether we are prepared to give up this account–I hope and trust you daily approach the mercy seat and hold communion with God in secret–that you make the bible your study–and Jesus Christ the bright example which you strive to imitate, as well as the prevailing advocate in whom you trust–If so I can only say, persevere even to the end; never let the trifles of time allure you from a close walk with God–and a steady adherence to his service3–. Bethia will tell you all the news–wishing you much comfort in her visit and hoping to see you all at its close—I subscribe myself as ever your affectionate mother Elizabeth
- Oswego, NY ↩︎
- Mr. James Abell was the pastor of the Old First Church of Oswego from 1825 to 1830. Thus, it seems that Edward is located in Oswego, but the reason remains unclear–perhaps he is visiting his sister. A Brief History of the First Presbyertian Church of Oswego by John ↩︎
- In 1826, Elizabeth was disciplined by her Church. She was excommunicated from the Hadley Congregational Church in 1828. After this, she and some of her children attended the Unitarian Church in Northampton, but could not replace the social life she lost by being barred from Hadley Church activities. Social status revolved heavily around church involvement. It is possible that Elizabeth did not want her son to make the same mistakes she had in regard to religious practices. For this reason, she may have emphasized religion when writing to him. ↩︎