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Claims that he has thought a good deal about what she proposed about the Hortons [see ADD.MS.c/101/180-181]. Discusses the education of the son [Fred] and the possibility of his getting a scholarship to Winchester, and of going on the University education. Believes that if he is 'only ordinarily sharp', that he should probably not go to University, and that the Sidgwicks should help the family 'in some more pressing need.' Also discusses the little girl [Rose]'s future, and agrees with his mother in relation to not taking her away from home. Asks how she liked Paracelsus [by Browning], which he thinks 'has splendid stuff', despite being 'much too difficult and obscure'. Reports that Noel has published a volume of poems, which have been reviewed in the Pall Mall Gazette. Asks after Arthur. Reports that Martineau has written 'a fine pamphlet' for the Free Christian Union.

Thanks Nora for her letter. Thinks that Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir 'recalls a great deal of [Henry] to those who knew him', but fears that it would not give to those who did not know him 'any full reflection of the indefinite charm [there was] of his conversation or of the loveableness in his nature.' Admits that it is impossible to reproduce conversation in writing. Relates that he followed Henry and other friends in joining the Free Christian Union. Refers to J. J. Taylor, and suggests that his name is spelt 'Tayler'. Suggests that the Union was in some sense a precursor of the Christian Social Union and the Christian Social Service.

Reports that Andrew has been 'for a quarter at school at Bath', but that 'Prescote Hewett the London Surgeon is clear that Bath is too relaxing for the boy, and that he must go to Brighton.' Claims that he has been to Brighton, and has seen many of the three-hundred schools said to exist there, but that he was particularly impressed with Brighton College. Since most of the masters there are Cambridge men, he asks Sidgwick his opinion of them; 'if the teaching is likely to be good, and if they are men to whom one would do well to trust a boy of decided ability, but bird-witted and un-concentrative.' Is contemplating letting the boy remain at Brighton, and making it his only school, 'instead of sending him...to Rugby.' Reports that he begins work again with his boys that day. Refers to the turning of the year, and to the fact that he is still in the Church of England, despite his difficulties. Reports that Dr [R.] Williams wrote to him about the Free Christian Union, saying that it is 'a very nice thing for Christians unattached'. Hopes that it may 'offer help to some who are attached also.' Asks Sidgwick if he has made up his mind about joining it. Informs him that some more men are needed on the Committee, and hopes that Sidgwick might be inclined to join. Asks him to let him hear about 'B[righton] College' when he can find the time. Also remarks that [ ], a [Trinity] fellow, is a son of the Secretary of Brighton College, and had no education 'except these.'

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.'

Encloses a postal order [not included], admitting that he forgot to repay him. Asks him to inform him how the interview [Myers adds: 'with Miss Drew'] concludes. Liked what Myers recited 'just before parting'; [Myers notes that this was from his own 'piece called The Passing of Youth ']. Believes that Myers receives letters from Sidgwick 'with a certain dread.' States that he seems to himself 'like some statesman Macaulay speaks of whom neither etc nor etc nor etc (say study of Hegel and Vice-Presidency of F[ree] C[hristian] U[nion]) had altered from the dreaming schoolboy that he was at 16'. Writes in verse, beginning with the lines 'What am I An infant crying for the moon...', which, he claims is inspired by Tennyson. Claims that one advantage of being a philosopher by profession is that 'one has very drastic remedies for egotism very ready to hand'.

Asks Sidgwick if he can come in the vacation. Gives details of his movements; he is to stay where he is until 26 December, when he will go to Bath and Clifton, where he will stay until 31 December. On Monday 2 January he plans to go to Freshwater, and then on to London, and intends to be back about 14 January. Assures Sidgwick that his arrangements could be modified to suit his visit. Asks if there is any chance of his being in London during the week in which he will be there. Announces that he will be staying at [ ]'s house at Croydon. Expresses regret that he was not 'at the last dying speech and confession of the F[ree] C[hristian] U[nion]'. Refers to the fact that Martineau is to preach for Fr [Seeffield] the following day. Remarks that 'Stanley's plan is fairly open to the objections which Baldwin Brown urged against it.' Declares that they are 'in the throes of having either to give much more aid to Schools than has ever been given, or be rated.' Wishes the parish to accept the [ ] [ ] system 'freely and frankly', but fears they will try to keep the school as it is at present, 'but not liberally enough to avoid eventually coming on the rates.' Refers to the strangeness of '[t]he sort of sentimental affection without reality which men have for the Church of England'. Supposes that Sidgwick is glad to see Bradley's election, and remarks that it must be a great blow for the [ ]-Bright party.

Reports that his 'fat friend the Vicar of Blandford [J. R. Quirke] has made himself a Brewer, and sent his son to Aldenham', and his [Paul's] tenant Mr Martin 'will most likely do so too'. Asks whether Sidgwick is coming to stay and gives details about his pupils' comings and goings. Announces that he may spend a few days at Croydon after Christmas. Reports that pupils are returning to him. Wishes that someone - Sidgwick or Martineau 'for Cookson has been really but a figure head' - should draw up reasons for the dissolution of the F[ree] C[hristian] U[nion]', and states that it is not too late as it does not dissolve until December. Refers to France and to his German and Prussian sympathies. Remarks that France 'is taking her undoubted success at Orleans so [ ] [ ] that even Gambretta is beginning to be once more respectable.'

Gives a list of dates connected with the Free Christian Union, including the date of the meeting to propose its foundation and appoint a Committee in University Hall, and the dates of the meetings to constitute the Union and to settle the final form of constitution, and of the first and second annual meetings. Adds that there was 'a good deal of private conference, and some public controversy, before the earliest of these dates [14 June 1867], in order to clear the ground for the Union'; and that the facts are 'pretty fully related' in his [Drummond's] biography of James Martineau.

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.'

Reports that his paper was too long to find admission in the April issue of the Theological Review. Has made 'considerable alterations in it', and has explained his meaning; is unsure whether even now the paper would satisfy Sidgwick, or that the latter 'would accept its words as fully and adequately representing the mind of the [Free Christian] Union.' Intends to send the paper to Martineau as soon as Beard sends it back to him. Believes that, as it is materially altered, 'it is only right to try so far to fulfil [his] promise to F.C. Union.' Asks Sidgwick when they are to meet. Informs him that his wife is going to Torquay on Easter Eve, and that he shall have a week alone, and that he may have to lecture on behalf of the League at [Bownce] and Swanage. Would be most happy for Sidgwick to visit during that time. Announces that he is going to Bath on the 25th for his sister's wedding, and shall spend one day at Clifton. Then he will be back home again until 4th, when he is taking Louis to Eton. Promises to give Sidgwick meat and wine as always, even though he has been on a vegetarian diet for six weeks.

Reports that Paul's letter of 30 November has been forwarded to him [in Cheltenham]. Claims that he would be very happy to be associated with the gentlemen whose names Paul mentioned, but fears the F[ree] C[hristian] U[nion] being turned into 'a new [ ] denomination.' Also maintains that he is so busy with other affairs that he would not be able to do much in relation to the matter. Expresses his regret at seeing 'these men dropping off', but is [no?] longer so hopeful as before of an enlargement of the Church of England from within, and thinks that 'perhaps the more vigorously it is attacked from without the better.' Presumes that the Bishop of Ely [Harold Browne] 'cannot relieve [Mr] Clarke of his orders.' Mentions to deprivation of orders and to Parliament's role in the matter. Refers to some twenty-five years previously when a member of the House of Commons brought in a bill for enabling the giving up of Orders, and Wilson wrote to Gladstone about it, but the latter 'was not then favourable to a relaxation'. Claims that in the case of the Church of England, which is publicly endowed, 'the regulation of the legal obligations of ordination is quite as much within the competence of the legislature...as of those of subscription'. Agrees with Sidgwick about the articles in Paul's book. Refers to its form, and believes that the subject of Public Worship [in one of the essays] 'will prove a very arduous one.'

Reports that he had no time to see Martineau, but that he wrote to him the previous day, 'having the sequel of the Clerical Meeting correspondence, which has hitherto interested him to enclose.' Relates that he has 'jogged him about the Essays, and hope he may do something about them.' If he does not, Paul believes that some of their number ought to write independent papers, 'of which the most important would be the question of the Creeds in worship.' Reports that the Clerical Society met the previous Tuesday, and passed three resolutions relating to Paul's membership of the Free Christian Union, including one that states that in case of his declining to withdraw from the latter organisation, he should cease to be a member of the Clerical Society. Paul states that he has declined, and supposes that he has ceased to be a member of the Society. Observes that it is akin to an excommunication, and that some of his friends have told him that he shall be damned. Reports that he had a 'satisfactory talk with Hewitt' about his health.

Had intended to write to Sidgwick in relation to the Sub Committee of the Free Christian Union, of which he was appointed a member with Kegan Paul and Sidgwick, when he received a note from Mr Edward Enfield, informing him that Sidgwick and Kegan Paul would be in London from 5 to 9 January. Replied to Enfield suggesting Friday 8th at 4pm as a suitable time for meeting. Declares that this 'will leave ample time for some [ ] [ ] conference between the members of the subcommittee [Motion] to the matter on which they were to offer some suggestions to the General Committee. Asks whether Sidgwick and Kegan Paul would come out to the Limes, Hampstead on Wednesday 6 January to take dinner with him at 6pm and spend the evening in discussion.

Puts forward to the three main points to be considered; whether a series of public lectures or a volume of essays would be the most effective way of acting on social opinion 'in favour of Catholic views of Religion'; the general aim and character of the subjects that such a series should embrace; and the men who should be invited to join in such an undertaking. Believes that the writers or speakers should be free from any appearance of denominational and sectarian influence and that a large majority of them should be 'members of the Broad Church', with some representatives from the nonconformist churches. Would like to secure the aid of Mr Goldwin Smith, and states his wish to propose the name of Mr M[ark] Pattison, whose pamphlet on Oxford Education he has just read. Refers to Mr Jowett also, whose cooperation he would also appreciate. Believes that they should confine their subject to 'the broad ground of a practical and spiritual [Chris]tianity. Discusses the role of Christianity in the world, and declares that their schools, universities and churches need to be brought under the influence of a more spiritual and Catholic Christianity. Suggests some topics for discussion: 'A Reform of the Doctrinal [Formularies] of the Church; the Necessity of a Scientific Theology; on Intercourse between different Religious Denominations; on the Limits of State Action in Ecclesiastical Organisation.' Refers to the [ ] of the Irish Church.

Would like the benefit of Sidgwick's mature reflection on the above topics. Hopes to have returned to London by the evening of Monday 4 January. Gives the address to which HS should send any communication during the following ten days.

Reports that he has mentioned the case of the Westminster Review 'to several rich and liberal friends with indifferent success.' Reports that Mr [Bastard] has already given £100 to Dr Chapman 'in a similar emergency'. Mentions that he was speaking about the matter the previous day to 'a strong political liberal, a friend of [Bright's]' who has written for the publication, and who 'was expressing the same doubts as Bastard, of Dr Chapman' in relation to the latter's running of the Theological Review. Mentions that H.B. Wilson, who writes the precis of the theological books at the end [of the journal] also felt the same way about Dr Chapman. Suggests that a subscription be formed to buy the publication from Chapman, and to appoint Wilson or someone similar as editor. Announces that a man is going to send his son to him as a pupil because of the sermon he gave at the Free Christian Union.. Agrees with much of what Sidgwick wrote of Renan, and is glad that he has written on Clough. Refers to Rawlins and the influence of Cobb. He read 'the Resurrection poem' to the latter, who was 'simply shocked'.

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].

Explains that he had intended to write to Sidgwick many times since [J.B.] Payne's death, but the latter event affected him so much that he did not have the heart to do so. Tells how he was looking forward to Payne's visit, when the latter's brother contacted him to tell him that he had died. Recounts that their last meeting was when he [Kegan Paul] was on his way to preach the Free Christian Union sermon, and that after the 'misrepresentation of it in the Pall Mall [Gazette], Payne tried to persuade the Editor 'to set the report right'. Expresses the wish that Sidgwick will come to visit in the autumn.

Reports that the Cornishes have been to visit, as well as several other friends, but that some pupils who had been coming to him were no longer being sent by their parents, because of the sermon he preached at the Free Christian Union. Refers to a paper he has just sent to Beard or Renan, and fears that Sidgwick will think that he is 'hedging on the orthodox side' in it. Reports that Cornish is reviewing [W.E.H. ?]Lecky in the same Theological Review. Remarks that Dakyns was very good to him, and sent him 'all sorts of information' about Brighton College. Announces that he is sending Louis back to Brighton, and that he gave Dakyns' information 'to a [ ] who is going to send his boys there.' Asks Sidgwick to give him 'a bed somewhere in Oct[obe]r' if he doesn't come to visit,

Thanks her for her letter. Announces that he has just resigned from his assistant tutorship and has informed the authorities that he intends to resign his fellowship very soon. Remarks that it is not impossible that they may appoint him lecturer in spite of his actions, but he does not expect them to do so. Advises her that the matter is a secret. Reports that the Master 'expressed himself very kindly about [Henry] in communicating [his] resignation to the College.' Remarks that everyone is very kind, and believes that if he is not reappointed 'it will not be from want of goodwill, but from a conviction that the interests of the College do not allow it.'. Claims to be happy, and believes that he has done the right thing.

Asks her to tell Arthur that he thinks they had on the whole, successful meetings at the Free Christian Union. States that Paul's sermon was very good, and is misrepresented in the Pall Mall Gazette. Reports that he has been staying with Mrs Clough, whom he likes 'very much' and that 'the new book' [The Poems and Prose Remains of Arthur Hugh Clough] is due out in about two weeks. Announces that he will come down to his mother about the end of the month or the following month. States that if she has Miss [Alice?] Horton staying with her, or if there is any other particular reason, he does not mind coming, however his hay fever is.

Expresses his pleasure at receiving Sidgwick's letter, and at the news that the latter had joined the Free Christian Union. Reports that the anniversary meeting is that day or the next, but he is unable to attend. Hopes that Sidgwick will go. Expresses his anxiety in relation to the Church of England. Refers to Tyndale [John Tyndall?]'s theory on spiritualism, and observes that the Physical Science men 'seem to leave out of sight the fact that if they have no emotional side to their own nature, it is a very important element in the nature of most people.'

Explains that he has been too busy during the previous two months to read very much material that was not connected with his work. Declares a book by 'Miss Ogle', [Lady Verney] Stone Edge, to be 'a pretty and restful novel'. Refers also to The Lost Love, and to the fact that people say that it was written by a Lady Verney. States that [ ] B[ ] has taken up much of his time, because he has been reviewing him for the Theological Review. Asks Sidgwick if he has read a book called the French Revolution by Heinrich von Sybel [1867] History of the French Revolution].

Announces that he is going abroad with three or four of his pupils, and that Mr Paul is accompanying them; they start on Monday 3 August for the Rhine as far as Constance, and then maybe go by Munich and Prague to Dresden, where they intend to stay a fortnight, and get home about 10 September. Between that date and 12 October he hopes that Sidgwick will be able to visit them, and suggests that it would be nice if he came to Dresden. Tells him to come before 3 August if he is unable to come after their return, but is unsure when they will be able to receive him. Explains that one of his sisters is to be married, and is coming to stay, along with her fiancé. Tells Sidgwick to let him know when he can come.