Letter
Dublin Core
Title
1846.02.25 – Elizabeth Huntington to Frederic Dan Huntington, Feb. 25th, 1846
Description
This is a letter from Elizabeth Huntington to her son Frederic. In it she details daily life and interpersonal interactions within the community. She brings religion into her writing through textual quotations or just by writing about sermons, services, lectures and her own reading. Elizabeth writes on her health, and that of family members, and expresses well wishes. In this winter letter she describes snow storms and celebrates that the house stays comfortable even in the coldest weather.
Creator
Elizabeth Whiting Phelps Huntington
Source
Porter-Phelps-Huntington Family Papers (Box 12 Folder 10)
University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives
Date
1846-02-25
Rights
public domain
Type
Correspondence
Transcription
Northampton Feb. 25 1846- Wednesday, 3 o’clock
Dear Frederic,
You are where I am. By the goodness of God, which has never failed to watch over and preserve me, in sickness and in health I am brought thus far, even to the verge of this mortal life and may I not hope that the same kind hand which has been extended over me hitherto, will conduct me safe through the garden of death. The removal of the diseases which have me so low, I regard only as a reprieve, may this that ever preserve me in a state of watchfulness not knowing at what hour our Lord may come.
On the Sabbath I attended meeting- Came over with T.G and his wife and returned after services. I was literally frantic with two sermons which Mr. Pierfont gave us from these texts- in the morning- “but seek ye first the kingdom of God even the righteousness there of” – in the afternoon “and establish then the work of our hands upon us, even the work of our hands establish thou it. I wish I could describe the matter and the manner, but it is impossible. We are ready to say what a pity that good judgment and discretion should not equal his other gifts. On Monday afternoon, Theodore came over with your father and brother- they went to hear Mr. P’s lecture on temperance and left me with Bethea. Theodore left us both here to stay until Thursday when he will come after us. Charles has been gone to attend court at Lenox since we came and may be absent all the week, though B expects him a little today. Your father has been more contended than I thought he would be. Yesterday morning he called on Mr. Ellis and then on Mr. Pierfont and Judge Lyman. Received an invitation to dine with Mr. Ellis in company with Mr. P in the afternoon that all made a call here with Mrs. Ellis and which they were here James Welsh came in and Mr. G Ellis invited and called here about- so that we had quite a gathering. He is to deliver a lecture before the young men institute this evening.
Friday morning- Theodore did not come as we expected yesterday probably the severity of the weather prevented as he meant to bring his wife to make some calls. If he comes today your father intends to return with him: but for the sake of a little longer rest, not I think of staying until The Sabbath. My strength increases; though quite gradually in a week or two I hope to be myself again. ‘ What shall I wonder to the lord for all his beautiful? I must receive from him the desire and the power to make even a confession of unworthiness.
I have not quite finished the life of Doct. Ware- it is an example which we might all strive to imitate. I hope it will prove highly instructive to young ministers. You must have had an uncomfortable time in gathering to your church on the stormy Sabbath. And in returning home I but I honor those who have learned to endure hardships, as good soldiers, and in the service of Jesus Christ and in the services of guests behind.
Why should not men and women be as willing to encounter difficulties in the service of him who laid down his life for us as in accomplishing their own selfish and worldly purposes.
It always gives me pleasure to hear of you of your “affairs and how you do’ and how dear wife and dear boy do as well as the increase of pure religion in your greater family. May the spirit be shed abroad in all your hearts.
Friday evening- your father has gone home with Theodore who came over Thursday. His wife is almost sick with a cold and would not come. This visit has given high enjoyment to your father who has called on nearly all of is acquaintances- his attention has been directed particularly to the windows if not the fatherless. Charlie does not come yet- We find this a very comfortable home this cold weather; warm enough when the thermometer is down to zero, and as to inmates- they are of the something sort- your wife and I walked down to short row this afternoon and I have felt the better for it. I would not close my letter without expressing my thanks to you and Hannah for the numerous examples of your kindness, which I have received both before and during my sickness- may you find that he who watereth shall be waterd himself- With my most earnest desire for the highest happiness of you and yours, you know that I am always truly yours- with a mothers love
Elizabeth
Remembrances to all friends-
Pray overlook all improprieties- for I feel rather in a matted state both body and mind. Bethea sends her kindest regards to all.
Cross writing (?)
The snow is about a foot and a half deep, a pure white covering for this dirty earth. In a few weeks, all will be life and growth and beauty- how (indecipherable) does this bring to our minds our own promised nutrition. The glowing hope of dying mortal men- but as Mr. Ware says, freedom for sinners is the glory of … – I need hardly that this….Bethea has been a season of great