Kirkland 134b Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Sergeant Stockbridge March 10th 1791 Reverend and Dear Sir. You have no doubt been informed by Edgar Blackmer that we had a prosperous and pleasant journey down. found all well except my dear parent whom providence denied me the satisfaction of seeing and receiving her blessing before she left us. I have been informed about a week before her death - she took leave of all her Children and grand Children in a most extraordinary happy and composed s Show moreKirkland 134b Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Sergeant Stockbridge March 10th 1791 Reverend and Dear Sir. You have no doubt been informed by Edgar Blackmer that we had a prosperous and pleasant journey down. found all well except my dear parent whom providence denied me the satisfaction of seeing and receiving her blessing before she left us. I have been informed about a week before her death - she took leave of all her Children and grand Children in a most extraordinary happy and composed state of mind: when you see Captain Yoke if you please you may read Mr. West's address to us in his funeral sermon, which I have copied off and sent. Your Family are well, want much to see you hope you will be down by the middle of April - which will be a good time to take care of your farm here. which will also be about the time that at present I expect to return I am preparing my Journal and letters to the Commissions if you think best, wish you would send me your plan for the arrangement of the proposed Indian Schools - perhaps it will be more satisfactory to the Gentlemen for us to sign something together to lay before the Society at their May meeting. I have written to Mr. Crosby - I shall write that we proposed one school at Oneida the other at Genesee, etc. hope you will encourage my people in their temporal and spiritual Concerns as you have opportunity. you will please to write and give me all the Indian News remain Reverend Sir your friend and Brother John Sergeant Reverend Mr. Kirkland [addressed in same handwriting on other side of paper] The Reverend Samuel Kirkland Clinton Reverend John Sergeant March 10, 1791 Show less
Kirkland 134c Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Sergeant Stockbridge March 22: 1791 Reverend and Dear Sir. I received your kind and friendly letter of the 12 March: rejoice that you appear to enjoy happiness in your labours among the people of your charge - as all the several towns must now lie on your hands. It is a great and glorious work to be employed by the great hand of the Church to preach his gospel among the poor Indians it always appeared pleasant to me to interest the ignorant nativ Show moreKirkland 134c Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Sergeant Stockbridge March 22: 1791 Reverend and Dear Sir. I received your kind and friendly letter of the 12 March: rejoice that you appear to enjoy happiness in your labours among the people of your charge - as all the several towns must now lie on your hands. It is a great and glorious work to be employed by the great hand of the Church to preach his gospel among the poor Indians it always appeared pleasant to me to interest the ignorant natives - especially when they appeared delighted with the truth. I heartily thank you for the pains you have taken with my poor Children. also rejoice that you have taken pains to open their eyes to see their real good. their divisions has long been matter of real grief to me. notwithstanding all the ill treatment and trials I have met with from those who are opposed to me I still have an affection for those I have taught from their Infancy. I have felt myself greatly exposed to prejudice. I have therefore been more on my guard, and in inculcating a peaceable temper among them - I have sometimes thought that I had entire master of my own feelings - I have studied that charity which thinketh no evil - which stands opposed to a jealous and suspicious temper which ascribes every action to the worst motive, and throws a black shade over every character. I have not time to be particular in answering your letter - or giving you all the reasons of my conduct in my treatment of them. I have no doubt of your friendship in bringing about a reconciliation. your advice with regard to justice and policy I kindly accept, believe you really think it would be wise for me to treat them as if there had never been any division (I mean at all times to lie open to conviction) at present I can't quite agree with you. in some respects I treat them with all the friendship I ever did. I can't at present think they have a right to half the school Money - nor is it in my power with out the consent of my friends to give it - I am directed to appoint the Master - which is all I have to do about it - I used to treat them all alike till they sought an entire separation - desiring me not to live among them ( viz at Tuscarora) since that time I thought that justice as well as good policy required me to treat them with some neglect - they have appeared to dismiss any good that I could be the means of doing them - I have thought that some degree of neglect would be as eye salve - I am very sensible that there are but few who act upon principle in either party - with regard either to O-- or myself. It is very difficult for either party to make any concessions - on our part we think that we have done every thing that reason and duty required. They well know the moment they make up with us (as the Indians express it) they will have an equal benefit of the school money - I have often thought as long as O-- lived there was not the least prospect of their being united - all things are possible with him who overrules every edict - if there are any encouragements I rejoice - I have such a strong affection for them that I feel willing to do any thing that appears to be wise and best - if you have given them any advice with regard to a reconciliation hope you have done it openly - that all the party may hear and understand you - for I am very sensible that certain men among O party have always tried to keep the people in ignorance - I am now in a quite different situation than I was three years ago - having nothing to say to them about Brother O-- pro, or Con - so that it will now be no virtue in me entirely to keep Council - I have written in haste - hope you will excuse this scroll - I really feel ashamed to send it - I think it is more interruption to be surrounded with three or four little Children - when writing a letter than to hear an Indian speech - please to throw this into the fire as soon as you have read it - friends are all well - Mr. Sedwick returned - 5000 troops to be sent to the westward - am sorry you do not return before I go up - but know it will be more pleasant for you to come down in May - give my love to my people - if you should have another conference meeting with them - tell them unless they reform (in their temporal carcasses - they will soon lose their Minister and every spiritual privilege - a lazy people will be under the divine curse etc. I remain your very affectionate friend and brother John Sergeant Reverend Samuel Kirkland PS I hope you won't forget to encourage N - going to the westward as everything urges - you are not sensible what good effect a speech from our Tribe would have on those nations at War-- Reverent John Sergeant March 22, 1791 Show less
Bresters to visit Samuel Kirkland at Clinton, hopes to buy land. Sargeant suggests selling them some of Kirkland's so that he would have good neighbors.
Just returned from Boston. Saw the Doctor and the Board. Told them of Kirkland's Stockbridge purchase. Boston in upheaval. Mr. West may be dismissed from the LBCB.
Has not looked outside of the neighborhood for land (for Samuel Kirkland), only one 12-acre parcel for sale there. Reverend West book disliked: "full of blasphemy".
Mrs. Kirkland visiting friends with Avery. Lady of interest recently married, Sergeant tells Samuel Kirkland: "if you know of any that might suit me, let me know it".
Kirkland 9a John Thornton to Samuel Kirkland London, 27th August, 1770 Dear and Reverend Sir - I must now thank you for your letters of the 15th February, and 30th May. I congratulate you on the further light with which you now read the latter part of the last chapter of Proverbs. May the Lord prosper you more and more continually It is very grievous that any misunderstanding should arise between you and Dr. Wheelock . The Enemy has done this, and indeed it must be fine sport to him. What is man Show moreKirkland 9a John Thornton to Samuel Kirkland London, 27th August, 1770 Dear and Reverend Sir - I must now thank you for your letters of the 15th February, and 30th May. I congratulate you on the further light with which you now read the latter part of the last chapter of Proverbs. May the Lord prosper you more and more continually It is very grievous that any misunderstanding should arise between you and Dr. Wheelock . The Enemy has done this, and indeed it must be fine sport to him. What is man? We all expect too much and look more to others than ourselves. Oh that we could but cease from man and put our whole trust in the Lord; none that ever did were confounded; he will never leave them nor forsake them. But we are for inverting that Scripture, Walk by faith and not by light. Our chief business should be with ourselves. It is better for me that hundreds of others make many mistakes than that I make a single one. Let us ever take heed what spirit we are of, for if we have not the Spirit of Christ we are none of his. May we ever drink deep of that blessed Spirit, my dear Sir. I trust a good name is like precious ointment, much to be valued. We can't cherish our reputation (consistent with our duty to God) too highly, but when the Lord calls for it and requires us to become fools for Christ we may cheerfully give it up; but if before we don't value it pray are we not offering the lame and the blind. The great attainment of the Christian is to suffer and place the sufferings to Christ's account. You are called to bear a testimony. Let patience have its perfect work. Testify all forbearance and look steadfastly at the Prince of Suffering and copy him closely. If you are for suffering that you deserve, only remember it is the suffering wrongfully only that has the promise. Be assured none can be your enemy unless you are your own. Those that would be so, you may account your best friends if they bring your graces into exercise. If we love the Lord aright, all necessarily works for our good. May you ever experience this. I have sent you many books, but one I hope will be your chief study, as that alone can make us wise unto salvation, and it gives wisdom for this world as well as for another. Be much in prayer, that every time you open God's Book you may see more of the dignity, completeness, loveliness, and grace of the Redeemer; for our all is in him, and he supplies according to our need. Beware of that selfishness into which we are all fallen, and be seeking that praise that cometh from God only; for how can we believe if we receive honour one of another and seek not the honor that cometh from God only. You'll excuse my entertaining you with a Fable: My waking dreams are best concealed; Much folly, little good they yield But now and then I gain when sleeping A friendly hint that's worth the keeping. Lately I dreamt of One who cried "Beware of self, beware of pride. When you are prone to build a Babel Recall to mind this little Fable." Once on a time a paper kite Was mounted to a wondrous height, Where, giddy with its elevation, It thus expressed self-admiration: "See how yon crowds of gazing people Admire my flight above the steeple! How would they wonder if they knew All that a kite like me can do! Was I but free, I'd take a flight And pierce the clouds beyond their sight; But ah! like a poor prisoner bound My string confines me near the ground. I'd brave the eagle's towering wing Might I but fly without a string." It tugged and pulled while thus it spoke To break the string. - At last it broke. - Deprived at once of all its stay In vain it tried to soar away. Unable its own weight to bear It fluttered downward through the air; Unable its own course to guide, The winds soon plunged it in the tide. Ah, foolish kite, thou hadst no wing; How couldst thou fly without a string! My heart replied: O Lord, I see How much this kite resembles me. Forgetful that by thee I stand, Impatient of thy ruling hand, How oft I've wished to break the lines Thy wisdom for my lot assigns? How oft indulged a vain desire For something more or something higher! And but for Grace and Love divine A fall thus dreadful had been mine. I can't say I am a great friend to fasting where it is not necessary and I should be sorry by looking to your duties and graces you got comfort as I apprehend that is making in some measure a Christ of them; but look to Jesus and admire and adore. He finished the work for us or it would never have been finished. Rejoice and be glad in the Lord and in him only, and if ever you can be pleased with yourself it is a bad sign, for in what single instance can the best of us come up to the just requirements of God's Law? The mystery of Godliness is going out of ourselves and trusting in another, from first to last. Trust in the Lord and you shall be fed. Rely on God's great and glorious promises and remember all is allotted us by an infinite wisdom, and if we show not forth his praise continually in the situation and circumstances he has fixed us, we should not in any other, though we may fondly imagine other ways. If they will not believe Moses and the Prophets, neither will they if one rise from the dead. My dear Sir, I believe you have been hardly used, but consult not flesh and blood; surely your Master was much more so. Be like him an Example of meekness and humility. Provoke not; pray fervently for those that are most unkind to you, and that is the way to the blessing. Get all the support you can. I think you have a fine call of usefulness. May the Lord enable you in every respect to improve it. Be not over anxious about the pence. I am ready to assist you, and if needful I have a hundred pound or two hundred at your service. Let anyone draw on me for you whenever you want, and keep up your hospitality to the Indians. In that matter you have acted very wisely. I trust the Lord has much work for you to do, but don't by going so far beyond your strength incapacitate yourself for farther service, or think that by much speaking the blessing comes. A small blast through the ram's horn will suffice to bring down the walls of Jericho. Remember, it is the Lord gives the efficacy and if he sets home all must prosper. That you may continue to increase with all the increase of God and be crowned and blessed daily and hourly is the fervent prayer of Dear Sir Yours most affectionately John Thornton My respects to Mrs. Kirkland . To The Reverend Mr. Samuel Kirkland at Oneida John Thornton, Esquire 27. August. 1770 Show less
Sorry not to see Kirkland again in Boston. Straightened out things with the SSPCK. G.W. Kirkland will probably write soon, he progresses well in school.
Kikrland 133e Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Wheelock Dartmouth College February 25. 1791 Dear Sir! I am still very infirm though better than for several days past: Nor should I think of now writing were it not to a friend for whom my attachment cannot be loosened by any devastations on my clayey part. Your valuable manuscript is still in my hands which I wish to retain some longer, as some material contents of it will be useful to the object that I mentioned to you, and be of no disadvanta Show moreKikrland 133e Letter to Samuel Kirkland from John Wheelock Dartmouth College February 25. 1791 Dear Sir! I am still very infirm though better than for several days past: Nor should I think of now writing were it not to a friend for whom my attachment cannot be loosened by any devastations on my clayey part. Your valuable manuscript is still in my hands which I wish to retain some longer, as some material contents of it will be useful to the object that I mentioned to you, and be of no disadvantage to the author. I have told your son that I will deliver it to him whenever called for. Your attention in any additional remarks in regard to the points specified in a former letter will be very obliging. My dear Cousin, and the son who has raised your hopes, gives me great pleasure by his attention to service and by his exemplary conduct. He is virtuous and a friend to order, and is entitled justly to the esteems of all who know him. If he continues his course he will not disappoint my expectations and will answer our wishes. He tells me that you have concluded to remove with your family to Oneida, - I pray God God to be with you and bless your apostolic endeavours. I may hope to be favoured by hearing from you when convenient, as I am in truth Dear Sir Your very affectionate friend and humble Servant J Wheelock P.S. Mr. Woodbridge's son the bearer conducts well and is a promising youth. The reverend Samuel Kirkland etc. President Wheelock February 25, 1791 Show less
G.W. arrived at Dartmouth. Hopes that Samuel Kirkland will visit in the spring. Asks him to bring any potential students and Indian artifacts that he can find. Relates a theory of the origins of the Indians.