All Items 19

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 5

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins reflecting on her faith, and sharing news of her children and other family members and notes she has hopes that the current strife has a glorious purpose and "might result in making this a great missionary country!" McClure comforts Perkins about his wife (Charlotte Bass Perkins) mentioning her heart is stirred by what Perkins shared and says she feels that Charlotte will be greatly improved by her sojourn at the asylum, noting the Summerville (Somerville) Asylum's good reputation and references God, Providence, and discusses her faith. McClure also references Henry (Perkins) and her feelings that his development into manhood and future will be affected by a parent with an unstable mind and relays news from a family member that Henry appeared well and had much improved.

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 June 5
Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 12

M'Clure, Alexander W. (Alexander Wilson), 1808-1865

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins in which McClure writes of his own poor health and of rumors of Perkins ending his work in Persia. He sympathizes with Perkins' separation from his wife and child and congratulates him on the solace he finds in his missionary work. McClure shares a passage from the doctor at the Retreat for the Insane who cared for McClure's niece in hopes Perkins will find the same comfort from it that he did. McClure shares his regrets that his secluded life outside of Pittsburgh has removed him from access to the news and gossip he was once able to share when he lived "Eastward." He questions the New England moral theology which was so introspective to the point of neglecting the fullness and sufficiency of Christ and apologizes for his former congregation of Malden neglecting to support Perkins' mission and asks to be remembered to certain colleagues of Perkins.

Alexander Wilson McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 October 12
Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1868 January 21

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins recalling her visit with Perkins and describing religious and church activities in Chicago where she has moved to reside with her oldest son. She conveys news of family members and of her children and mentions the memorials for her husband (Alexander Wilson McClure) and shares verses her sister had composed following the death of their brother in Scotland which she transcribed on the final page of the letter. McClure comments on her health, asks to be remembered to some of Perkins' colleagues, and inquires about his family.

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins, 1868 January 21
John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1861 November 16

Mead, John O.

J. O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which Mead thanks Perkins for the generous consolation he had expressed for the Meads during the days of trial they were experiencing in their business. Mead hopes to have a few days to visit in person so that he might speak "face to face on a subject which for sometime has labored in my mind." In addition, Mead comments on a number of spiritual subjects that he says Perkins is familiar with and can readily respond.

John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1861 November 16
Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins, 1867 November 25 and 28

Lyman, Mary C.

Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins in which Lyman discusses an eighteen month trip to Europe, saying she liked England very much and was very impressed with the full and faithful preaching and comments on the Christian character being as delightful as it was uncommon. Lyman thanks Perkins for his affectionate remembrance of Montreal, promises to share his greetings, and reports on the health of a number of people. She informs Perkins that Dr. Wilkes' church was destroyed by fire while he had been overseas and that they were sharing a church with the American Presbyterians, and shares news of Dr. Wilkes' marriage and travels to England. Lyman also shares the news of the sudden death of Mrs. Sabine, sister of Miss Lyman (Hannah Willard Lyman) and Perkins' friend and classmate (Henry Lyman). Lyman mentions her subscription to the girls school was neglected during her absence and she plans to attend to it.

Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins, 1867 November 25 and 28
Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins, May 25 and June 12

Lyman, Mary C.

Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins in which Lyman thanks Perkins for his mission work and notes she will communicate that to the Ladies Missionary Society connected with her church and notes that they formerly gave to the Female Seminary but have turned their support to another mission school which has curtailed foreign donations. Lyman references Perkins prospective return to the United States after 35 years of missionary work noting he could do much good in America noting several ways returned missionaries are employed and awaken interest in missionary work. She shares that their new church had opened, talks of faith, and shares her opinions on the view that Christ's cause was retrograding and believes advancement would be more rapid if all who believe were active in the cause. She discusses Dr. Henry Wilkes' attending meetings of the Congregational Union, the Presbyterian Synod, and the Episcopalians.

Mary C. Lyman letter to Justin Perkins, May 25 and June 12
Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins

McClure, Mary Brewster

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins rejoicing in his continued health and satisfying labors and discusses God and faith. McClure prays that the disposition Perkins had made for his beloved and afflicted wife (Charlotte Bass Perkins) will be a blessing and shares news of her children and other family members. She notes that the terrific war struggle has awakened benevolence in people to "procure provision for the souls & bodies of Soldiers."

Mary Brewster McClure letter to Justin Perkins
Henry John Van Lennep scrapbook

Van-Lennep, Henry J. (Henry John), 1815-1889

Henry J. Van Lennep scrapbook containing a compilation of newspaper clippings and sketches all attributed to Van Lennep. Clippings contain articles varying in topic, but many pertain to Christian religious texts and stories. The sketches are of people, animals, structures, carvings, places in Turkey, and include antiquities and historic sites. Most sketches are in pencil and some include captions. Also included with the scrapbook are two loose inserts: a sheet of additional news clippings on both sides and a full page sketch by Van Lennep. The newspaper clippings included on the loose sheet pertain to the slave trade and their authors are unknown.

Henry John Van Lennep scrapbook
Sidney Brooks essay on man's religious nature

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks essay in which he argues that "man is naturally a religious being." Brooks claims that all people and cultures have some notions of accountability and immortality from systems of religious belief. Though Brooks calls Christianity the only true religion, he argues that this human tendency to have systems of religion, even if they are "false" and regardless of whether or not the people are "enlightened," is helpful for those interested in spreading the Gospel. This essay fragment is presumed to be related to Brooks' studies at Phillips Academy or Amherst College.

Sidney Brooks essay on man's religious nature
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
Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which Sidney states that they have just entered a new term (at Amherst College) which they say will be the most laborious of the whole course. He responds to a previous letter from Obed, including remarking on the recent deaths in Harwich. Sidney reflects on a prior conversation in which Obed proposed Sidney take his place and they discussed the nature of happiness. Sidney also writes regarding pranks and incidents at the College including one where a straw man made to look like a professor was hung from a pole. In the following section of the letter, Sidney reflects on the words Obed shared about his present state of mind and contemplates what they should be and do, referencing Christianity and religious beliefs several times in his contemplations.

Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3
Sidney Brooks coursework on rhetoric

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

Sidney Brooks coursework and notes pertaining to a book on rhetoric. On the back page of one set of notes is a list of three people under a heading of "Tardy" and the back page of another set of notes is addressed to Miss Sarah G. Brooks (Sarah Godfrey Brooks) in Cambridgeport. These documents are presumed to be related to Brooks' studies in rhetoric at Phillips Academy or Amherst College.

Sidney Brooks coursework on rhetoric
Sidney Brooks letter to unidentified recipient, 1864

Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887

A fragment of an unaddressed letter from Sidney Brooks in which he discusses his recently changed views on the influences of an investigation of the sciences on a person's fidelity to the sacred scriptures. Brooks notes that he has just retired from a hearing of scientific disclosures and closes with questions that have arisen for him such as "what is this world?"

Sidney Brooks letter to unidentified recipient, 1864
The religious bearings of man's creation

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

An incomplete manuscript by Edward Hitchcock of his sermon "The religious bearings of man's creation." The first page contains two introductions to the sermon, one intended for the Theological Society at Dartmouth College, as well as a list of the dates and locations that Hitchcock delivered this sermon between Spring 1854 and January 1856. This portion of the sermon stresses the importance that the listeners take up the mantle of building "moral railways" throughout the country, bringing Christianity to the ignorant and the sinners.

The religious bearings of man's creation
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
Edward Hitchcock notes on religious doubt

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Notes by Edward Hitchcock discussing those who doubt Christianity. He focuses especially on those who were raised in pious households and are surrounded by Christianity, but who have begun to doubt leading to a hardening of their hearts toward religion. Hitchcock claims that those undergoing such a hardening are the least likely to be aware of it.

Edward Hitchcock notes on religious doubt
Edward Hitchcock notes on religion

Hitchcock, Edward, 1793-1864

Notes by Edward Hitchcock discussing various religious topics in an abbreviated way. Hitchcock discusses the differences between a nominal disciple and a true disciple and makes a few brief statements about Jesus Christ, Peter, and the city of Nazareth.

Edward Hitchcock notes on religion