LETTER OF
The GOSPEL TRUTH CHARLES G. FINNEY
1861
To Edwin Lamson
5 August 1861
[MS in Finney Papers 2/2/1]
Oberlin 5th Aug. 1861.
My Br. Lamson.
You are aware that I have been
ill for a long time I am now better
but not well. Mrs F. is also ill & has been
from home, & at the East for 6th weeks
past. She is now at the sea side
near N. York. Our ill health accounts
for your not having heard from us of
late. I learn through Miss Woods in
her correspondence with Julia that
your Dear Mary is ill. Now will you
not inform us about this matter. Do give
oceans of love to her & let us know just
how she is. You know my dear Brother how
deep our interest in Mary is. We allow
to have a supreme interest in her, but
not to monopolise in such a sense as
not to allow us full scope for our love
for & interest in her. And what about
the children. Where and how are they. And
surely not least where & how are you?
God bless you My Dear Br. Lamson, will
you not write us soon one of your good
long, peculiar, particular letters, telling
us in your own style all about yourselves
& the religious state of things in Boston.
[page 2]
My Dear Wife has suffered a good deal
for several weeks. The Doctors think her
disease is organic, but that she will
recover by taking sufficient rest.
I wish you or Mary, if she is able would
write her. Direct to the care of Hobart
Ford. 115. Wall st. N. York. Wife
& myself have been sadly overdone. I have
of late met my theological class twice
& thrice a week but have not ventured
to preach yet. My strength is gradually
improving. Think I shall God Willing
preach again soon. I can not spend
much time in writing letters at present: but
I beg of you to let us hear from you &
our Dear Mary without delay.
The Lord have mercy upon Mary & let her
not fail in health. Is she or has she been
dangerously ill? The state of religion here
is interesting. Conversions frequently occurring
but no general revival. The war excitement
has greatly diverted attention & my
ill health has kept my mouth closed.
Julia is at home with me. Not very well.
Mrs. F. will probably stay east until Sept.
Jul[i]a joins in. Much love to you all.
God bless you all forever. C. G. Finney.
[page 3]
P.S. Give my sincerest love to Br. Stone
& his wife. Also to Br. & Sister Hoyt.
To Your Neighbor Mrs Whitney. To the Gliddens
In a word to all our Dear Boston
friends who may inquire after us.
I hope Mary is not very ill. I have
thought if she had been seriously
ill you would have informed
us. But do release our suspense
& anxiety on this point.
C. G. F.