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.'
Asks Sidgwick if he has mastered Hegelian philosophy. Reminds him that they are all looking to him or John Mozley or both to tell them what he [Hegel] means. Remarks that [Septimus?] Hansard once said that 'he conceived his 'mission' was to translate Maurice to the people. Refers to W.D. Rawlin's 'funny voyage to America with Tom Hughes; remarks that '[w]hatever else it does for him it will probably deliver him from the [ ] represented by The Kiss of Peace.' Asks Sidgwick if he knows who wrote G[ ] Balz. Suspects that it might be Trevelyan, 'if it is not too good for the writer of C[ ].' Hopes to see Sidgwick at Christmas. Reports that he took Louis back to Eton, mainly in order that he may see Cornish, who, he reports, is quite well, and has not yet learnt the Gospel according to Matthew. Claims that it is not easy to have too many Cornishes, 'if they all take after their father.' [incomplete]
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.
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,