Pièce 44 - Letter from Hastings Rashdall to Henry Sidgwick

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Thanks Sidgwick for the copy of his book, which he sent to him. Acknowledges 'the scrupulous fairness and moderation of [his] polemic', and observes that the title was well-chosen, from the author's point of view. Comparing himself to Warren Hastings on hearing Burke's speech, he admits that 'for the moment [he felt himself] a criminal'. Refers to Sidgwick's attitude to lying, and to his statement about the Bible. Reports that some days previously a bishop had warned a friend of his 'against the dangerous views of Gore and declared that the still more orthodox [Uttley?] was not much better than a Deist.' Refers to the statement '"Born of the V[irgin] M[ary]"', and states his belief that 'no statements could be plainer, less susceptible of being explained away [or] less believed by clergy who accept O[ld T[estament] criticism than the [statement] [at] [ ?hiat?]...' Refers also to the fourth commandment which is refuted publicly and weakly.