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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'.

Discusses the withdrawal of Temple of his essay in Essays and Reviews; is not satisfied with Temple's explanation of his step, as was one of those who had 'rejoiced' at Temple's elevation [as Bishop of Exeter], because of his belief in his convictions. Refers to the question raised by Wilson and Jowett, and to the bishop's speech in Convocation, which he describes as 'very courageous'. Declares that Temple 'has said for his collaborators in E[ssays and R[eviews]. what none of his friends dared to say when the question of his appointment was being discussed: and what is hardly reconcilable with the Apologia that some of them - e.g. E. W. B[enson] - made for him.' Regrets to say that most liberals that he has met speak more strongly against the bishop than he has written here, and that he 'almost always find[s himself] defending him'. At the same time, does not think the controversy very important in relation to other controversies and changes 'impending over the Church of England' at that time. Asks her to remember him very kindly to Miss [J], and hopes that the weather has improved. States that he is very busy working on the ladies lecture, and doing secretarial work.

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.'

Wishes Wilson's note [95/15?] were more encouraging, but believes that 'if there be a niche which wants filling', he may help them. Explains that Wilson and his wife are both in poor health, 'but are not really ill', and that he is capable of plenty of intellectual exertion. Reports that he has been at many Temperance Meetings in the recent past, one at a foundry near Poole. Declares himself to be impressed 'at the latent power of these men', and observes that at present there is no leader of the real working men. Mentions the 'blessings' which come from the temperance movement, i.e., that everyone is regarded as equal, no matter what their social standing is. Refers to when he joined the [Christian?] Socialist movement with Maurice and Ludlow twenty years ago.

Announces that he is willing to write an essay on dogma 'and shall be proud for it to appear in company with discourses by Martineau and [Tayler]'. Thinks it possible that Jowett could be persuaded to write. In relation to the latter, remarks on his faith, and relationship with the Church of England, and on his work on Plato. Advises Sidgwick to get in contact with him directly [see letter from Jowett 94/67?]. Suggests H. B. Wilson as an author of an essay. Believes it to be very important 'that religious men, who have broken with dogmatic [Christ]ianity as dogmatic, should come to some mutual understanding, so as to have a chance of reorganizing worship and religious beneficence when the present fabrics break up'. Expresses his wish to join Sidgwick's association. Gives his views on the form it should take, e.g., that it should be 'definitely Theistic' and that it should adopt as its basis the Nicene Creed, 'leaving out the "Virgin Mary", "Pontius Pilate", and the "third day". and everywhere substituting the present tense for the past or future.' Informs him that he has been staying there [in the Isle of Wight] for nearly a fortnight, and shall leave 'on Wednesday'. From 2 to 9 January 'shall be at Birkin Ferrybridge, Normanton'. Announces that he may be in London on the evening of 11 January to go to a club in Spring Gardens. Asks Sidgwick to recommend a suitable hotel in London.