All Items 23

Pliny Butts Day letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31 to 1837 January 2

Day, P. B. (Pliny Butts), 1806-1869

P.B. Day letter to Justin Perkins in which Day responds to a letter from Perkins and writes regarding recent Sabbath activities at Andover Theological Seminary, mentioning Mr. Bird, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Holiday (Holladay), and Mr. Stocking. He goes on to discuss the S. (Sabbath) School's missionary society, missionary lessons at school, and the importance of such education in New England. Day supposes Brother Burgess has written of missionary feeling in the Seminary, but shares news regarding faculty there, including Dr. Justin Edwards, Professor E.A. Park, Professor Stuart, Dr. Woods and his daughter Sarah, and Mr. Hall's wife.

Pliny Butts Day letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31 to 1837 January 2
John Edward Farwell letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31

Farwell, John E., -1858

John E. Farwell letter to Justin Perkins in which Farwell reminds Perkins of their prior connection as instructor and pupil at Amherst College and their current relation as participator and "anticipator" of the same work as missionaries. He writes of the missionary circle society at Amherst College and says that they need church revivals to again fill the colleges with men interested in ministry and missionary work. He discusses those of his class who left with such work in mind: Allen, Burnap, Holton, Pritchett, and Rockwood. He mentions the deaths of D.C. Rowell and Dr. Whipple and writes about his hopes for missionary service.

John Edward Farwell letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31
Ralph Emerson letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31 to 1837 January 1

Emerson, Ralph, 1787-1863

Ralph Emerson letter to Justin Perkins in which Emerson writes regarding Andover Theological Seminary. He provides updates on Dr. Skinner, Mr. Park, Dr. Porter, Mrs. Porter, Mr. Stone, Mr. Stuart and his family, and Dr. Woods and his family. He also remarks on accounts of Perkins' mission, mentions that Mr. Anderson and Mr. Bird are addressing the missionaries, discusses Mr. Bird, and writes of the interest there in the Nestorians. He asks several questions regarding their religious practices.

Ralph Emerson letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 31 to 1837 January 1
Ebenezer Burgess letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 12 to 1837 January 2

Burgess, Ebenezer, 1805-1870

Eben. (Ebenezer) Burgess letter to Justin Perkins in which Burgess begins by writing on December 12, 1836 regarding his expectations for his missionary appointment and the recent tours of Mr. Arms on islands in Southeast Asia, mentioning Borneo and Sumatra. He writes further on January 1 and 2, 1837 regarding his recent missionary appointment to the "Indian archipelago" and his companion for life Miss Grant (Mary Grant Burgess). He remarks on the missionary spirit at Andover Theological Seminary and updates Perkins on changes at Amherst College. Burgess also writes of faith and spirituality. Mr Robbins, Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard, Mrs. Perkins, Mr. Tyler, Mr. Fiske, Professor Park, Dr. Skinner, and Mr. Anderson are all mentioned in the letter.

Ebenezer Burgess letter to Justin Perkins, 1836 December 12 to 1837 January 2
Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins, 1829 December 9

Lane, Daniel Tappan, 1805-1832

Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins in which Lane describes his initial impressions of Andover Theological Seminary including the scenery, accommodations, missionary spirit, instruction, and preaching.

Daniel T. Lane letter to Justin Perkins, 1829 December 9
John Coffin Nazro letter and poem to Justin Perkins, 1843 January 2

Nazro, John Coffin

John Coffin Nazro letter to Justin Perkins in which Nazro writes that if Perkins thinks the included poem worthy, he can give it a place in his "Nine Years' Residence in Persia." He writes that though there is good Persian Poetry, he is not aware that poetry has been written in America in praise of the Persian Mar Yohammed. He quotes Christian scriptures and included is a poem titled "A Dream" that refers to "our Friend, Yohannan, Mar, The Bishop of Ooroomiah" (Urmia).

John Coffin Nazro letter and poem to Justin Perkins, 1843 January 2
A. Edwards letter to Justin Perkins, 1847 July 30

Edwards, A.

A. Edwards letter to Justin Perkins in which Edwards explains her delay in responding to Perkins and writes regarding family. She mentions the Asylum and discusses leaving her post, also mentioning her "large family of orphans." She discusses family affairs, visits, and recent deaths. Among those discussed are Brother Elisa, her niece Julia, her nephew Horace, Mr. Hopkins, the deceased Mrs. Hopkins, President Hitchcock of Amherst College, her nephew George, Sarah Gould, Brother B., Mrs. Winslow and Bingham, Mary Bates, Sister Bates, and a relative of Mrs. Lyman. The locations of Southampton, Buffalo, and Springfield are noted several times in the letter.

A. Edwards letter to Justin Perkins, 1847 July 30
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 15

Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869

A letter from an unidentified correspondent addressed to Justin Perkins in which the sender writes regarding her position as an assistant to Mrs. Edwards (Jerusha Billings Edwards) at a school in Andover, Massachusetts and how she came to be in the position. She discusses the school and its curriculum, including how it is different from her experience last year working under Mr. Stone. She also writes regarding Perkins' suggestion that she go out as a missionary, the War (the American Civil War), and current events in the United States. She mentions Brother Abraham (Lincoln), Grant (Ulysses S. Grant), Mrs. P., Miss Lyman, Mary Cochran, and Mr. Rhea.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 15
David Andrews letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 June 2

Andrews, David, 1807-1870

David Andrews letter to Justin Perkins in which Andrews explains his reasons for writing Perkins even though their acquaintance at Amherst was "but partial." He writes regarding his interest in the Nestorian Mission, remarking on Perkins' reception and the suffering he and his wife have undergone. Andrews also writes of his willingness to go wherever God is pleased to make use of his services. He writes from Andover Theological Seminary. Brother Farwell and Amherst College are mentioned in the letter.

David Andrews letter to Justin Perkins, 1837 June 2
Henry H. Anderson letter to Justin Perkins, 1843 December 28

Anderson, Henry H., active 19th century

Henry H. Anderson letter to Justin Perkins in which Anderson writes that, as Perkins requested, he has written a few lines "to the Nestorian Moses." He asks Perkins to give them to Moses if he thinks they are worthy of being given, or to withhold or alter them as he deems fit. He sends his wishes for Perkins voyage and journey to Oroomiah (Urmia). An unattributed note on the item includes the name Geo E. Hill.

Henry H. Anderson letter to Justin Perkins, 1843 December 28
Sidney Brooks letter to his brother, 1835 September 2

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother in which he writes regarding his thoughts on Christianity. He describes how he previously felt that religion was something irksome and prayer was a task, but he now feels differently and thinks that "the yoke is easy and the burden is light" as he states Christ said. He elaborates on this feeling and writes that he never enjoys himself more than when he can draw near to God in prayer. Brooks begins the letter "Dear Brother." It has not been determined to which of his two brothers he is referring: Henry Cobb Brooks or Obed Brooks, Jr. This letter appears to be a draft.

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother, 1835 September 2
Sidney Brooks letter to his sister, 1836 June

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his sister in which he apologizes for taking so long to write to her on the subject of the letter, especially since she requested it. He goes on to say that it gives him great satisfaction to think that she is now interested in spiritual things and has an appetite for religious conversation. Brooks writes regarding Christian religion, his hesitations and desires to write to his sister on the topic, the failings and sins of Christians, his personal experiences with Christianity, the Bible, and Christian religious beliefs such as God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Judgement Day, and Salvation. Brooks begins the letter "Dear Sister." It has not been determined to which of his three sisters he is referring: Sarah Godfrey Brooks, Harriett Newell, or Tamesin Brooks. This letter appears to be a draft.

Sidney Brooks letter to his sister, 1836 June
Sidney Brooks letter to Henry Cobb Brooks, 1835 October 30

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Henry Cobb Brooks with two sections. In the first section, dated October 30, Sidney writes that after having done all his chores and stowed away his books, he doesn't know a better way to spend his time than to write to his brother Henry. Sidney imagines Henry sitting at the corn heap, carrying corn into the corn house, or helping their father. In the second section, dated December 21, Sidney writes regarding religion. He says that he was glad to see what Henry had written on the subject and he is glad that Henry is beginning to take an interest in it. He writes further on the topic and offers advice to Henry regarding his efforts to pursue Christianity. Sidney discusses beliefs regarding sin and salvation. This letter appears to be a draft.

Sidney Brooks letter to Henry Cobb Brooks, 1835 October 30
Bela Bates Edwards letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1851 August 8

Edwards, B. B. (Bela Bates), 1802-1852

Bela B. Edwards, Trustee of Amherst College, letter to College President Edward Hitchcock in which Edwards writes that he will be unable to attend this year's annual meeting of the Trustees due to his health, but given that he has felt some interest regarding the library enterprise, the Trustees will perhaps pardon him if he makes two or three suggestions. Edwards goes on to provide three suggestions on the topic and explains his reasons for each. In doing so, he mentions Professor Jewett (George B. Jewett), the role of Agent of the College, the plan of erecting a building for the library, measures to procure library books, and a subscription fund attempting to raise twenty thousand dollars. The letter is pasted onto a another piece of paper with an unattributed note at the top of the page.

Bela Bates Edwards letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1851 August 8
Bela Bates Edwards letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1851 September 22

Edwards, B. B. (Bela Bates), 1802-1852

Bela B. Edwards, Trustee of Amherst College, letter to College President Edward Hitchcock in which Edwards writes regarding his objections to the proposal that the new library building be erected immediately south of South College. He states that Mr. Williston may have informed Hitchcock of a letter Edwards had sent Williston with his objections. Edwards lists five objections he has to the proposed site for the library including aesthetic taste, safety, accessibility (especially for women), and the sake of future generations. In his fifth objection he writes again regarding aesthetics and concludes that the matter of taste is where the College is weakest and needs to be strengthened.

Bela Bates Edwards letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1851 September 22
William Pomeroy Paine, Stephen Caldwell Millett, and Henry Augustus Homes letter to Charles Upham Shepard, 1832 April 11

Paine, William P. (William Pomeroy), 1802-1876

A printed form letter dated April 11, 1832 in which William P. Paine, Stephen C. Millett, and Henry A. Homes write as a committee and on behalf of the Alumni of Amherst College. Preceding the letter is a list of resolutions passed at a meeting of the Alumni of the College on April 7, 1832. The resolutions pertain to the appeal made by the Trustees of Amherst College asking for assistance in raising fifty thousand dollars for the College. In the letter, Paine, Millett, and Homes ask that the recipient and all alumni donate to the cause. The letter is addressed to Charles U. Shepard and postmarked April 14.

William Pomeroy Paine, Stephen Caldwell Millett, and Henry Augustus Homes letter to Charles Upham Shepard, 1832 April 11
Elijah Barrows letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1863 May 30

Barrows, E. P., (Elijah Porter), 1807-1888

A letter of condolence to Edward Hitchcock from Elijah P. Barrows upon the death of Orra White Hitchcock. Signed "P." or "E.P. Barrows". It has been inferred that this refers to Elijah Porter Barrows.

Elijah Barrows letter to Edward Hitchcock, 1863 May 30
The law of nature's constancy subordinate to the higher law of change

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

An article by Edward Hitchcock extracted from volume 20, number 79 of Bibliotheca Sacra and Biblical Repository, published in 1863, in which Hitchcock argues that change is more powerful than nature's constancy, and notes that the law of change is synonymous with the law of miracles. Hitchcock discusses various types of laws governing the universe, including mechanical laws, chemical laws, and organic laws, and intellectual laws, stressing that change is at the center of them all. He then goes on to discuss the history of species on Earth and the evidence of change that can be seen in fossil specimens from different "systems of life." He discusses how many times the species on Earth have changed significantly, how these changes were effected, and argues that these changes can be considered miracles. He stresses that in spite of nature's constancy, God can cause any change through special providence and without miracles.

The law of nature's constancy subordinate to the higher law of change
Special divine interpositions in nature

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

An extract taken from volume 11, number 44 of Bibliotheca Sacra and American biblical repository, containing an article by Edward Hitchcock emphasizing God's influence on nature. Hitchcock notes that all of nature was set in motion by God and should be appreciated, but people often only focus on miracles. He discusses the influence of God on nature in ways considered both "natural" and "supernatural." He explains the difference between miracles and special providence, claiming the former cannot be explained by the laws of nature and the latter can, but stresses that both are the result of God's intentions. He goes on to describe what he sees as scientific evidence for special providence. A footnote to the article indicates that Hitchcock delivered this paper at the anniversaries of the Newton and Bangor Theological Seminaries. The first page indicates that Hitchcock's article begins on p. 776 of the extract.

Special divine interpositions in nature
Letter from unidentified correspondent to Mary Hitchcock, 1847 November

Hitchcock, Mary, 1824-1899

A letter from a Mr. Harrison(?) (whose first name is illegible) to Mary Hitchcock. The sender writes from Andover Theological Seminary, writing mostly about the suicide of Mr. Bennett (the Reverend Joseph Bennett) and its terrible impact on his children, Joseph and Mary Bennett. He also discusses Mary's sister Kate (Catharine), asking Mary to make up with Kate for him, as he has apparently offended her in some way. He also describes his rooms at the seminary and discusses religious subjects.

Letter from unidentified correspondent to Mary Hitchcock, 1847 November