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Excuses delay in acknowledging receipt of Sidgwick's copy of Methods of Ethics, which the latter sent to him, and cites illness as an excuse for the delay. States that he has not yet had a chance to read the work, but that his brother Edward has. Encloses 'an address recently delivered here, of which at least the subject is of some interest' [not included].

Thanks Bessie for her 'kind and cheering note'. Cannot do justice to her feelings of trust in and gratitude towards Mollie Grierson, who has acted just as she would expect. The 'great cheap house in Royal Terrace in Edinburgh was the worst possible house for Donald', as she always knew; she wanted him to live opposite her in Professor Nieck's old house, but his first wife [Margaret Kerr Cameron] wanted to live 'more in the country'. Remembers how Grettie 'after a visit to London returned with the baby John [Wellcome Tovey] and two white rabbits', travelling through the night, without having taken 'a drop of milk for the baby'; she was a '[p]oor mad thing' but 'very honest and entirely honourable', and the news that after her suicide 'Minnie Wallace had written to Donald, then in California, and proposed to marry him' appalled Sophie Weisse. Bessie's note brought much more cheering news. Does wish the excellent Swedish nurse who is treating her own sciatica could treat Donald's hands. Thanks Bessie for returning the book, and now her mind is 'relieved of the fear of John's motoring plans [see 8/130]'; hopes ' a change of weather or John's having been called up will make them impossible'. Longs to see John but he has been at Hedenham all summer. Hopes in Donald's absence 'a nice little enemy bomb will fall on that evil little house'. Is sending Donald a few letters at a time to try and 'amuse and interest' Donald: some from Sir Hubert Parry to her, some from Sir George Grove, who 'describes himself as [her] "slave," when Donald was Sir Hubert's pupil'. Has 'some beautiful letters too from the Master of Balliol [Sir Edward Caird]' and his wife: there 'was never a student so much loved'; it may please Donald to read then. A postscript says she has heard Donald does not now have a secretary; the 'one who came here in pursuit of John was an evil little creature'.

Explains his delay in replying to Martineau's letter, giving his reasons as his having to move around Scotland much in the past while, and also his concern for his daughter's health. Also apologises for not having enclosed in his first note the annual subscription, which he should have sent 'before offering to join the brotherhood of the Free Christian Union', the establishment he welcomes warmly 'as a rallying centre for all catholic hearts in the divided church.' Believes that the spirit of the movement 'is in deepest accord with the aims of the Blessed Founder of the Christian commonwealth.' Refers to the report of the movement's committee.

Suggests that it would be advantageous for the Union to 'secure the adhesion of several very pronounced Trinitarians....' Asks whether Dr Temple has joined, and suggests that possibly the latter's connection with Rugby 'hindered him from expressing public sympathy.' Presumes that, 'amongst the Bishops, he will surely not be behind Thirlwall and the late Bishop Hinds.' Refers to the fact that 'that remarkable Indian [ ]' is coming to England to study Western civilisation, and laments 'that he will see such a divided and dismembered church....' Assumes that he will have heard of the Union, "and it will command his earnest sympathy.'

Stresses that the function of the Free Christian Union is ' "responsible not for the final attainment of truth, but only for the serious search [of] it" '. Refers also to the nature and origin of Error, which, according to the maxim of B[ ] was 'a truth abused'. Undertakes to put down on a separate page some thoughts on 'the two great theories as to the person of Christ', and to send to Martineau 'an account of any paper that may be read which possesses general philosophical interest.' Acknowledges that this is 'far beneath [Martineau's] London Metaphysical Club', but that the aims are the same.

As to Martineau's request for suggestions in relation to 'a Scotchman able to contribute a paper to [his] projected volume of essays', Knight puts forward some names. Fears that Principal Tulloch is too ill to attempt such a project. Believes that Dr [John?] Muir would be able 'to give a valuable paper on such a subject as, the parallel and divergent lines of thought in Eastern and Western civilization'. Mentions also Professor Campbell, who holds the Greek chair at St Andrew's University, and who read a paper on 'the footprints of the doctrine of Immortality amongst the Greeks...to [Knight's] Speculative club', and Edward Caird of Glasgow, who, 'although inclined towards a modified Hegelianism would be very well fitted to contribute an essay, were he to join the Christian Union'.

Refers also to Dr Robert Wallace, 'Professor Lee's [successor] in Greyfriars church Edin[burgh]', as 'a remarkably able man, with an intellect at once clear, incisive and robust', but who 'lacks delicacy of perception'. Fears that, although he is 'the most thoroughly pronounced broad churchman in the Established church of Scotland...perhaps he would shrink from openly identifying himself with the Union.' Adds that he is a member of the 'New Speculative'.

Lastly mentions Dr Donaldson, Rector of the High School in Edinburgh, and author of a critical history of 'the Ante Nicene Christian Literature.' Adds that there are 'some remarks on B[ ], and the School of Tübingen in that work' which might indicate that he was unsympathetic 'towards the great movements of modern philosophic thought', but claims that he is 'really one of the most catholic and liberal of men'. States that he was one of the few men in Edinburgh who understood 'to the last' Knight's late friend Mr Cranbrook. Claims that Martineau's ' "Endeavours" and his ' "Essays" ' have already taught him much, and that 'hours spent with them are amongst [his] most prized recollections of the past....' Sends him a copy of 'Mr Lake's memorial sermons in reference to Mr Cranbrook...with a brief note appended' [not included].