Letter from missionary about Cherokee religion
Transcription of Primary Source
TO MR. AND MRS. CHAMERLIN, AT BRAINERD.
Fort Deposit, Dec. 12, 1818
My dearly beloved Brother and Sister,--
I just sit down to address you with my pen. But is this all? Am I so soon called to bid you adieu, and see your faces no more in this world? O my beloved friends, you know not the love I bear to that blessed spot, where I have spent so many happy hours with you ; but it is past, never to return.
Dear friends, I weep; my heart is full ; tears flow from my eyes while I write : and why is it so? Do I murmur” God forbid, Ought I not to praise the lord for what I have received, and trust him for every thing? O yes, his ways are best, and he has graciously promised, that “all things shall work together for good to them that love him.” But do I love him? Have I that love to him, which will enable me to keep all his commandments? Do I love him with all my heart? O that the lord would search me, and lead me in the way of eternal life.
I am here amongst a wicked set of people, and never hear prayers or any godly conversation. O my dear friends, pray for me : I hope you do. There is not a day passes but I think of you and the kindness I received during thee time I staid with you. It is not my wish to go to the Arkansas ; but God only knows what is best for me. I shall not attempt to tell you what I have felt since I left you, and the tears I have shed when I called to mind the happy moments we passed in singing the praises of God. However, I bear it as well as I possibly can, trusting in our dear Saviour, Who will never leave nor forsake them that put their trust in him. It is possible that I may see you once more; it would be a great happiness to me if I don’t go to Arkansas ; perhaps I may ; but if I should go, it is not likely that we shall meet in this world again :--but you will excuse me, for my heart feels what I cannot express with my pen. When I see the poor thoughtless Cherokees going on in sin, I cannot help blessing god, that he has lead me in the right path to serve him.
O may we meet at last in the kingdom of our blessed Saviour, never more to part. Farewell, my dear brother and sister, farewell.
From your affectionate sister in Christ,
CATHARINE BROWN.