Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1841.01.01 – Elizabeth Huntington to Edward Huntington, Jan. 1st, 1841
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 5)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1841-01-01
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Elm Valley Jan 1st 1841
Dear Edward,
I shall begin with the usual salutation, “I wish you a happy new year”- probably it has been addressed to you many times in the course of the day, but I venture to say that in no case has it proceeded from a more sincere and earnest desire than in the present. I wish you not only a happy new year, but happiness all the way thro’; and not only the present year, but all the years which may measure your mortal existence. But when this is a mere trifle to care for, when compared with the countless ages of eternity — this is something real; and when we reflect that very hour of the present life will have a bearing upon the life which is to come, we feel that there is a value in every moment almost inconceivable.
I shall not think of answering your last letter, which was written the first of Nov., as we have repeatedly seen each other since, and many of the evils, which we then felt or feared, have been answered or turned into blessings. How after is this our experience Addison very justly says: “grudge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning Providence, He hides a smiling face.”
Theodore left us before five on Tuesday morning – I pressed him to write you and send the lines you requested but he declined, he is a little modest; it must be that, for he was quite at leisure the evening before he left.
The celebration of Christmas at the humanitarian church was quite an interesting occasion.[1] Theophilus and Elaine[2], and Theodore and Bethia attended. Mr. Dwight’s[3] sermon was upon the word of the angel “glory to God in the highest, on earth peace goodwill be given. [4] They were much phased with it. The church was decorated with great taste. The candles and lamps were intermixed with the evergreens, very fancifully – and back of the pulpit was suspended against the wall, a large crop made of evergreens intertwined. Around the pulpit there were about seventy lights– But as I was not there my description must be very inadequate, perhaps not more so than it would have been had I been an eyewitness.
Charles and Helen[5] sent for us to dine with them, and not knowing that you had been up on the Sabbath previous, they had strong hopes that you too would be there; they were however disappointed and their turkey was unshared by their expected friends, as your brothers and sisters did not go over till toward night. They drank tea then and went to the church together children and all, and shut up the house. The church was quite full.
We had a visit from Charles and Helen[6] on Wednesday. He had enjoyed to give a lecture before the Lyceum at Amherst[7], left his wife here and went out for the [hearing?] but found there had been a mistake, the greeting was Tuesday evening; so he returned and spent the evening here. Tuesday evening they had a large party at their house with a view of paying off their debts, which had been long accumulating. They invited above seventy, only about fifty attended.[8]
A letter came from William to Bethia last night, and a few lines to your father. They seem to be the overflowing of a full heart– a heart almost ready to burst with affection for his wife and child. The Lord in mercy grant that it may not diminish his zeal and devotion in serving his maker.
It is nearly three months since we have heard from our friend in Paris. I think much of Elizabeth should she be in affliction, her heart would yearn for her kindred, but there is a friend always near. On him let us lay our burdens, and in his compassionate ear, pour out our devout supplications.
We are expecting Frederic for part of the week, may we not see you also before long? This cold weather makes me almost wish that I could inspect your accommodations for the night.[9] The Lord watch over and bless us all. – Truly yours, Elizabeth
[P.S.] We are expecting your new year’s chronicle with much interest. Be careful that your cares and labours do not deprive you of your needful [repose?]–anxiety of mind wears upon the body, and weakening of the body injures the mind, and these both go down together. Can’t you find a corner of your haven to remember your readings of the two giant evils: war and slavery?[10] They are subjects which [aright?] to hold a prominent place in the mind and heart of ever follower of Jesus.
[From:] Elizabeth Phelps Huntington
[Addressed:] North Hadley
Jan 1st
Mr. Edw. P. Huntington
Cabotville