Stevens, Oliver Winn. "Letter to Mary A. Stevens, 1837 January 30." In 1830s [Folder]. Valdosta State University Community Archives: Bennett Collection (CA-05), Box 1, Folder 03. Valdosta, Georgia. Retrieved from https://vtext.valdosta.edu/xmlui/handle/10428/7044.

Description:

Letter from Oliver W. (Winn) Stevens, in Walthourville, dated January 30th, 1837, to his betrothed, Miss Mary A. (Anna) Stevens, in Palmyra, in which appears to dispel any doubts she may have over their impending marriage, and convey his strong Christian faith and the bond their religion creates.  

Subject Headings:

Brooks County (Ga.); Quitman (Ga.); Georgia; Letters; Family histories; Genealogy;

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Transcript:

Walthour Ville Jan'y 30th 1837

My dear Mary,

More highly than ever do I appreciate the privilege of conversing with my dear friends, when unable to speak "face to face." And I cannot think of spending an hour more profitably as well as pleasantly than in writing a short letter to you.

Be assured, dearest M --, that the circumstances that unfolded themselves during my late visit to you, have had a tendency to strengthen if possible the chord of affection, and to endear you fourfold to my heart.

Although I was before persuaded that you had undergone a change in your feelings, yet now I can draw my own conclusions from personal conversation with you. And is it not reasonable that one who professes to love the Savior, should be conscious of a strengthening of the ties of affection and friendship for the dearest object of his heart, when he learns that she loves that Savior? I am more and more convinced that we have kindred spirits, that there does exist a congeniality of sentiment and feeling.
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But Mary, what enjoyment can this world afford without religion? Can the pleasures of this life, if indeed they be pleasures, can the vanities of time which so often [allure?] the thoughtless and giddy crowd, and which, in their nature, directly tend to alienate the soul from the only proper object of our regard and adoration; can these afford satisfaction to the immortal mind? We have tried these things; we have seen their insufficiency to make us happy; and, blessed be God, have [betaken?] ourselves to a higher hope.

I trust we have found, that "wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths, those of peace." Yes, there is true happiness in the reflection that Jesus Christ is our elder brother: that we do love him who loved us so much. There is some enjoyment in the thought that we are, in some little degree, answering the great end of our existence in this world: and that after these clay tenements of ours shall be mouldering in the dust, we have a building of God eternal in the heavens, "that blissful abode,
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains
And the noon tide of glory eternally reigns"
It seems to me, that the christian need not be deluded, need not be mistaken in regard to his
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hope. We are never at loss to know whether we love an earthly friend, we rejoice in his society; we love to think of him; and we love those that love him because they love him.

Jesus Christ is the ground of the christian's hope: if we love him we will delight to visit the closet; love to read and meditate upon his word; and love the company of christians.

From the feelings you expressed to me, my dear Mary, I must hope that you [?] enjoy, the [sweets?] of religion; that, like Mary of old, you have chosen that better part. When therefore seasons of darkness becloud your mind, do not despond or despair of hope. Every christian has his [illegible] of doubts and fears: and remember that there is a throne of grace to which the vilest sinner may resort and find acceptance and salvation through the [?] of a dying Savior.

Since now you have an interest at this throne of grace, let us not forget one another there: and may he that "sticketh closer than a brother be your friend indeed. May he strengthen your faith and brighten your hope for heaven: giving you clearer evidence of your acceptance with him, and grace to pursue, with delight, the path of duty, though it should be beset by crosses and trials; and giving you to feel that it is sweet to obey his commands.

My sincere regard to your mother. As ever your very affectionate friend

O.W.S.
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[Addressed to Miss Mary A. Stevens Palmyra]

Of course you will answer this by the first opportunity and I trust, will open your mind more freely in regard to your experience, and in respect to what appears to be duty in your future course. The great point is to find out what duty is and when that is ascertained we should at all hazard pursue the path that duty points out.

But I know that you will take no step without mature deliberation and reflection on the consequences that may follow. Of course I should not wish to influence you in any way. Let the word of God be your guide in all matters of this nature; that cannot err.

You must not expect me until you see me; of course I shall come as often as prudence shall dictate, and my business permit.