Item 29 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to Mary "Minnie" Benson

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Refers to 'the accompanying papers' [not included]. Claims that he has 'forgotten all about the Persian wars', but that the enclosed questions occur to him as natural. Refers to the 'Ladies' Lectures', which are doing well so far. Predicts that there is sure to be a reaction, and wonders how they shall deal with it. Hears that a similar movement at Edinburgh is also doing well, and remarks 'Mill has come forward like a Woman!' Reports that he has not written anything more in the Pall Mall Gazette [having had a long letter on 'Clerical Engagements' published on 6 Jan 1869], and that he has written a pamphlet on the text 'Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind', in which he discusses the duties of preachers of religion [Ethics of Conformity and Subscription, written for the Free Christian Union]. Is ashamed not having written to thank Edward for his sermon 'in the Bk. of M.', which he thought 'very striking and pathetic.'

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, p 226-227.