Item 19 - Letter from C. Kegan Paul to Henry Sidgwick

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Declares that he wishes Sidgwick's pamphlet were longer, and that, contrary to the latter's opinion, he does not seriously disagree with it. Refers to Sidgwick's discussion of the importance of belief, especially that of a minister in the doctrine, and the conflict between one's disbelief, and one's continuation in the recitation of the Creed. Puts forward the scenario whereby a minister 'does not avow his disbelief in the doctrine' and does not think that this is significant enough to cause him to quit the Church. Observes that in theology two people may say the same thing, but one can be accepted and the other criticised for it, as in, for example, the case of Stanley and William. The former said in his Jewish Lectures that Abraham 'was tempted to slay his son by the fact that human sacrifice was part of the false religions he found in Syria', and 'Williams said the same, and no statement was more fiercely assailed in the whole volume of Essays and Reviews.' Tells Sidgwick to expand his pamphlet if it reaches a second edition.

Refers to the dissolution of the Free Christian Union. Asks if Sidgwick will come to visit them in the summer. Tells him that he has permission to take him to see 'some most remarkable Spirit drawings', drawn by a child of eleven. Reports that Louis has gone to Eton, 'where he has made a fair start', and that he is with Marindin. Fears that Cornish is very unwell. Informs him that Margaret [Paul's wife] 'has a little tale in the press called *Three Weddings8, which is simple and good.'