Sylvanus Ripley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 September 24
Author
Ripley, Sylvanus
Date24 September, 1768
ms number768524.2
abstractRipley writes to accept Wheelock’s invitation to write to him to
improve his education. Ripley writes in support of the design to Christianize
the
Indians.
handwritingHandwriting is small, but formal and clear. The trailer is
in an unknown hand.
paperLarge sheet folded in half to make four pages is in good
condition, with light-to-moderate staining, creasing and wear.
inkBlack-brown.
noteworthyMarks -- a plus sign and a P -- have been added to the
document in a different, probably modern hand. These marks have not been
transcribed. The word "Wilkin's" appears on two verso; this is unexplained.
signatureThe signature is abbreviated.
Modernized Version
Deletions removed; additions added in;
modern spelling and capitalization added; unfamiliar abbreviations expanded.
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Lebanon
September
24th 1768
Reverend, and Honoured Sir
I (humbly accepting your kind invitation to me viz to improve every leisure hour in writing to the Dr) now dedicate the
following Epistle, which I trust will share largely your correction ––
perhaps it would not be disagreeable, should I choose some subject to treat on; when to write themeless, would be too much like building a castle in the air: I think
it not improper, to turn my thoughts on the important design in veiw –– and first I believe their is a vast many obstacles in the way
which
Which to human appearance seem to be almost insurmountable, and the cause in various respects wears a gloomy aspect; yet the probability of
its success is greater; than that I myself shall Ever be able to assist in the forwarding of it, who) I believe( will be Rather like a brittle pin, which tends more to weaken the fabric; than promote its stability; yet I would wish for the best that the great design of Christianizing the Pagans might be accomplished
the great Redeemers Kingdom advanced; God glorified: Satans strong holds subverted: and the Benefactors most sanguine expectations answered: and may, kind Sir, your indefatigable labours be crowned with success, and when the grand Mandate Moriatur is uttered in heaven, then may your Exit be with a composed and
resigned
spirit; and "Receive an abun dant entrance administered to your" and
and
I beg Leave to sub scribe myself your dutiful Pupil
Sils Ripy
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