LETTER OF
The GOSPEL TRUTH CHARLES G. FINNEY
1835
To John J. Shipherd
c. October 1835
[MS in Letters Received by Oberlin College 1822-1866, Microfilm Roll 2. Finney's note to Shipherd, in italics here, is endorsed in pencil on a letter of M. W. Hopkins to Finney.]
Addressed: Rev. C. G. Finney
Oberlin Colge Institute
Lorain Co
Ohio
Postmark: Byron NY
29 Sept
Letter:
Albion Sept 22. 1835.
Dear Brother Finney
I wish to make some inquiries respect
ing your Institute and colony. I think that
we shall like to come with our family as
soon as we can dispose of our little property to
advantage - we have a large family which need
educating, and we wish to prepare them for
usefullness as much and as far as we have means
hoping that we shall always remember our de-
pendence on God for his blessing on those
means - Will you be good enough to write
me soon and answer the following inquires
What is the price of improved farms within
from half a mile to a mile from the school
with a given quantity of improvements to which
you will describe. &endash; what is the principle
sail and Timber - Is it probably healthy
for families from this part of the country &endash;
What is the price of Village lots of a given size.
- How young are children into your school
- What is the price of tuition - Does any
body raise silk worms - If we should go
by water at what place should we land -
What is the population of your Village -
How many stores have you there -
What are the principles of retrenchment
established or practiced with regard to dress,
diet &c. My oldest son Henry R. is
at Geneva preparing for college with the
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Ministry in view, is 25 years of age and is as-
sisted by the presbyterian Edn society - Now
sir would you advise him to go through a
regular course at college. and if he should
come to Oberlin how will he furnish himself
with cloths books &c -
Write us as much about your colony,
school, state of improvements, of religion &c
as you have time, as my family (especially
Wife and Daughters) feel deeply interested
to learn all about it. - do you have inter
esting prayer meetings. &endash; all seems to be dead
and frozen in religion in this region at
present remember me affectionately
to your Lady, Brother Mahan and Lady
wishing you grace mercy & peace
I remain yours in the best of bonds
M. W. Hopkins
Br Shipherd will you read
this & answer it as you go
along & drop the letter at
Byron. The writer is a good
& an interesting man
C. G. F.