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'.
Leeds. - MS should go to Chapman's at once. 'Our prayer for France must be O Lamartine live forever - while our England has this last week taken its stand for fame in the nobility of a huge common sense'.
Hampton Parva, Evesham. - Thanks for article on Sterling; asks Milnes to review Miss Martineau's latest book; Chapman's forwarding of material.
Reports that Reginald Marsden of Merton '[ ] of the Oxford Eight' is a medium, 'and very much interested in Spiritualism.' Informs Sidgwick that Marsden 'is intimate with the Milner Gibsons', and other spiritual people. Explains that he has asked the latter to put himself in communication with Sidgwick, as he believes that if the two join forces, they could 'work out something.' States that [ ] 'is very wild in the matter, but he knows interesting people'; suggests that Sidgwick look him up. Gives his address in Croydon, and mentions that he is in town most days. Thanks Sidgwick for writing to Chapman, and invites him to come and see them. Claims that he can, through Dr [Elliston], get Sidgwick an introduction to Dr Ashburner, and offers to introduce him to Mr [De Morgan].
Expresses regret that Sidgwick did not come to visit them [in Weymouth]. Invites him to come should he get the work done 'before term begins' or any other time. Announces that they go home that day. Refers to 'the increase of difficulties with regard to the Church of England.' Declares that his doubts about the possibility of holding his position 'gain ground daily'. Is thinking of asking the Bishop [of Oxford?] for leave of non-residence for a year, and taking a house [in Weymouth], where he could work quietly with his pupils 'and at literature', and 'consider the whole matter of conscience'. Reports that Chapman is pleased with his paper. Declares that he wants to write 'a decent article...on the chastity or unchastity of schoolboys, and the uses and abuses of the confessional'. Asks Sidgwick to read, and give his opinion on, a paper of his on the Bishop of S[ ] in the July issue of the Theological Review.