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.
Lebanon
Sepr
24th 1768
Reverend, & Honoured Sir
I (humbly accepting your kind invitation to me viz to improve Evr'y leisure hour in writing to the Dr) now humbly dedicate the
following Epistle, which I trust will share largely your correction ––
perhaps it would not be disagreeable, should I chuse some subject to treat on; when to write themeleſs, wou[gap: blotted_out][guess: d] be too much like building a castle in the air: I think in
it not improper, to turn my thoughts on the important design in veiw –– & first I believe their is a vast many obstacles in the way
which
Which to human appearance seem to be almost insurmountable, & 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 for[illegible][guess: d]warding of it, who) I beleive( will be Rather like a brittle pin, [illegible][guess: which] which tends more to weaken the fabrick; than promote its stability; yet I would wish for the best that ^the^ great design of Christianizing the Pagans might be accomplish'^d^[illegible]
[illegible]the great Redeemers Kingdom advanced; God gloryfied: Satans strong holds subverted: & the Benefactors most sanguine expectations answer'd: & may, kind Sir, your indefatigable labours be crown'd with succeſs, & when the grand Mandate Moriatur is utter'd in heaven, then may your Exit be with a composed &
Resign'd
[illegible][guess: even]
spirit; & "Receive an abu^n^ dant entrance administred to your" &
&
I beg Leave to sub scribe myself your dutiful Pupil
Sils Ripy
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