Sylvanus Ripley, letter, to Eleazar Wheelock, 1768 September 24
Date24 September, 1768
Call 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.
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
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
scribe myself your dutiful Pupil Sils Ripy