Showing 48 results

5 Russell Square. - Gustavus Hare has purchased property near Galway but would be glad of a stipendiary magistracy in Ireland to supplement his income. Georgiana's kind regards to Milnes' wife

Herstmonceux - JCH is very pleased with the appointment of Alfred Ollivant as the Bishop of Llandaff - 'a most conscientious appointment it seems to me, on the part of Lord John [Russell]'. JCH's 'first wish was that Trench [Richard C. Trench] shd succeed him in the Professorship [of Theology]; for Maurice [John F. D. Maurice] seemed to me out of the question. However, after talking over the matter with Esther [Hare] in the morning, I was brought to wish that I might myself be allowed to take part in helping to work out the new system in my beloved University. At the last election it seemed to me that I had no right to come forward in opposition to a man so far superior to me in theological learning as Mill [William Hodge Mill]'. However, although JCH knows 'that in many things his claims are higher, I shd not shrink from opposing him. For I cannot think that his doctrinal views are those which are the most likely to promote the cause of Christian truth in our days'. JCH's 'own views have become much firmer of late years, and I have a securer knowledge of the foundations on which my doctrines rest. The many testimonials of gratitude & affection which I have received from students of Divinity at Cambridge encourage me to think that, if I were living amongst them & opening my heart & mind to them, I might render them service in helping them to steer among the quicksands by which theological speculation in these days is best. And it might be of some use to shew them that one may admit and recognise whatever is true and valuable in German theology, and yet retain a strong conviction of all the positive truths of the Gospel. Many signs show that this is one of the main perils of our days; & we cannot escape it by turning away from it. We must face it dauntlessly & overcome it'. Obviously JCH will not stand for the theological chair if WW is considering it. Would it be possible for JCH to take a B.D degree, or a D.D. in time to be qualified for becoming a candidate?'. Could he take the Professorship with his current living?

Herstmonceux - Congratulates WW on becoming Master of Trinity College. JCH has been trying to complete various publications he has promised. JCH asked John F. D. Maurice what he thought might be done to improve the theological education at Cambridge - 'he answered, "a divinity tripos, (which is the usual resort when any general improvement is to take place) wd. surely be an abomination". Herein I agree most entirely Emulation has done us enough harm already: in heaven's name let us not extend it any further. We should try to teach people that knowledge is to be pursued for its own sake, as it used to be pursued more or less down to the present century, and not for the prizes attacht to it. Until we can do this, we produce nothing sound or lasting. When the stimulus is taken away, the student turns to something which will afford him a substitute for it. The only truly powerful influence, by which men's minds and characters are lastingly affected, is personal, that of mind, of moral character on moral character. The advantage of institutions seems rather to be that of affording facilities for such an influence, and of keeping it within legitimate bounds. For instance what a mighty power has been exercised of late years at Oxford by Newman [John H. Newman] and Pusey [Edward B. Pusey]'. JCH thinks the best thing Cambridge could do would be to employ Maurice as a lecturer on philosophy and theology: 'Your present divinity professors are not men to stir the minds of the university'. The appointment of Maurice, if possible, should be done in conjunction with the neutralisation of the excessive amount of examinations: 'In the happier days when we went to Cambridge, & there was not half the number of examinations, Smythe's Lectures, Farish's, Clarke's, exercised much influence. Had they been men of greater moral power, the influence wd. have been much greater. Now the efficacy of the lectures is almost destroyed by the never-ending still-beginning examinations'. A portion of divinity should be compulsory to anyone who passes a degree. JCH gives his answer to a couple of WW's intellectual moral dilemmas given in his last letter: 'though our great sin is the original mother-sin of estrangement from God, and though all our actions in our natural state are more or less tainted with this sin, yet there are better human principles & affections; & he who violates these may, humanely speaking, be infinitely worse than he who reveres & upholds them. There are various stages of transition between the thick Egyptian darkness that can be felt, & the pure light when in God's light we see light. At the same time it is very true that with every increase of light, we acquire a deeper consciousness of the darkness within us; and thus it ever has happened that the best and holiest of men have spoken of themselves as the chiefest of sinners'. The other issue raised in WW's last letter concerned 'the degree in which students may be allowed to follow the bent of their own genius. This, you say, is not to educate'. However, 'to educate seems to me to be to bring out that which is in a man. And this is the business of education, to protect from stunting and blighting influences, and to cherish and develop the innate life, giving it room to spread all its branches around, and to feel forth all its leaves, its our leaves, not another tree's leaves'.

Herstmonceux - JCH's brother, Augustus Hare, has died. Could WW recommend a master for JCH's Training school at Chichester: 'for various reasons it is thought that a Cambridge man would be more acceptable to a large part of the Diocese than one from Oxford. Of course nor do we wish for a man of eminent learning or talents, steadiness, sober mindedness, & piety are the qualities we want'. The number of pupils currently in the school is nine. JCH is annoyed at the possibility of Joseph W. Blakesley standing against John F.D. Maurice as the replacement to John Lonsdale at King's College, London: 'Surely, if there be a man who has a claim, for his services both to the College & to the whole English Church, it is Maurice. A great one he has just been rendering by his noble pamphlet, which, I trust, will do much good, teaching many, who are now bewildered, to understand themselves, their position, & their duties'.

137 and 141 may be addressed to Annabella Hungerford Milnes

Herstmonceux - Will WW join a Committee which has been established to found a library for the new College in Van Dumin's land: 'of course you will have heard a good deal of it: for Peacock was employed with Arnold in drawing up a code for it, which is said to be somewhat over-liberal'. JCH is pleased WW has invited John F.D. Maurice to preach at St. Mary's. Maurice would make a good head of King's College, London: 'In the first place he has an extraordinary power of attaching & influencing young men'.

137 and 141 may be addressed to Annabella Hungerford Milnes

Herstmonceux - JCH was extremely happy that WW agreed with the doctrine of JCH's last sermon: 'For it seems to me of possessing practical moment, so that the neglect of it has been the cause of dismal evils in our church; nor can I see any likelihood of an approximation toward unity, unless it is generally recognized. But for this conviction I should not have come forward in such direct opposition to my excellent brother Archdeacon'. JCH introduces his good friend and bookseller, Macmillan [Daniel Macmillan], to WW: 'He is a man for whom I have the highest esteem and regards, both morally an intellectually...he has a high moral purpose, to which he desires to devote his life. Maurice [John F.D. Maurice], to whom I introduced him, values him no less than I do; and I really hope it will be a good thing for Cambridge to have so intelligent a bookseller [Macmillan & Co.]. At present his capital is very small, the result of savings out of a clerk's salary, drained by the necessity of assisting his relations: hence he will not be able to muster a large stock of books: but I hope, and can hardly doubt, that in this respect he will improve. In all others, I believe, he will be incomparably superior to any person of his class in Cambridge'. JCH canvasses John F. D. Maurice as a possible successor to Lonsdale [John Lonsdale] as Principal of King's College, London. Christian C. J. Bunsen has asked JCH to recommend someone to translate Ranke's [Leopold von Ranke] 'History of Germany at the time of the Reformation'. Can WW think of anyone. JCH congratulates WW and the University on the honour surrounding the forthcoming visit of the Queen.

Herstmonceux - JCH is upset to find that he is the only one who thinks John F. D. Maurice should be the next Principal of King's College, London - 'almost everybody else says he is unfit for the post, and no one so vehemently as himself'. JCH is unsure what competitors Blakesley [Joseph W. Blakesley] will have for the position: 'He will certainly possess many valuable qualifications for the post'. JCH notes that Leopold von Ranke's book has found a translator in Mrs Austin [presumably Sarah Austin, see also JCH to WW, 21 Oct. 1843]: 'When I wrote last, Bunsen had told me that there was a dispute between Mrs Austin & Longman about terms, which I suppose has been adjusted, & that Ranke himself rather wanted a translator of more masculine intellect & learning'. It must have been both a burthen and great honour for WW to have had the Queen of England as his guest [see JCH to WW, 21 Oct. 1843]. JCH was 'quite unconscious of anything Schleiermacher [Friedrich E.D. Schleiermacher] in my sermon; and knowing how totally different his calm abstract philosophical, almost image-less style is from mine, I was startled at first by what you said. But I dare say there is some foundation for it in some of my later sermons'. JCH has often been struck at the lack of structure in some modern British sermons by people like Arnold [Thomas Arnold], Newman [John H. Newman] and Manning [Henry E. Manning] - 'they seemed to be a series of paragraphs strung together, often excellent in themselves, but with no organic connexion. On the other hand the dialectic development of the fundamental thought in Schleiermacher is almost always exquisite, & in Hofsbach often singularly happy. Our preachers have other high merits, but, except Maurice [John F. D. Maurice], few have this; and of course the defect may be accounted for by our different education & habits of thought. But a natural effect of these observations has been that I myself have of late given more thought to the structure, & less to the details of my sermons, though I was hardly conscious till today that Schleiermacher had had any influence in occasioning this change. I merely fancied I had gained a better insight into what a sermon ought to be'.

Herstmonceux - JCH expresses, at great length, his joy on marrying Esther Maurice: 'You will know, from my love for Maurice [John F. D. Maurice], what a delight it is to me to gain him for a brother. My beloved friend Sterling [John Sterling] planned this marriage for me in the year 1837, as I have since learnt, shewing his love for me in seeking out the brightest part of womanhood to be my wife'.

Herstmonceux - Thanks WW for his invitation to Cambridge but will not be able to come due to illness and various people visiting. The wife of John D.F. Maurice is extremely ill and may die. JCH presumes WW is lecturing this term on moral philosophy. 'Worsley [Thomas Worsley] & Trench [Richard C. Trench] are admirable additions to the theological strength of the university, & I hope will be good watchdogs against the Oxford hysteroproterites. I am very glad you concur so entirely with my church-views'.

Herstmonceux - JCH and Esther Hare hope they will be able to come to Cambridge in May for two or three days. Although it is likely it will coincide with WW's trip to London for the Westminster scholarships. JCH hopes John F. D. Maurice 'will get the Readership at Lincoln's Inn, as it will combine so much better than Guy's with his work at King's: but it is by no means a clear matter'. JCH has begged Maurice to write to WW to ask for a reference - is WW sufficiently intimate with Lord Brougham to canvass him? JCH has 'been engaged in a conflict with an old opponent of yrs, Sir W. Hamilton of Edinburgh, & have been dealing out divers hardish blows'. Hamilton's attacks upon Luther are particularly disgraceful and unfounded. JCH acknowledges that Hamilton also hits hard blows, 'But he will have to defend himself; & he will find that as difficult a matter as the sikhs do, after their predatory erruptions'. If WW has any thought in publishing his volume on hexameters, JCH would be happy to contribute. JCH is sorry to hear of Thomas Worsley's riding accident.

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.

Reports that he has been very busy in relation to the vacant [Knightbridge] professorship; considers becoming a candidate himself, but does not think that he has much chance of being successful, and believes that if he puts himself forward he may harm the chances of another man [J. H. Stirling] who he believes has more claim to it. Was shocked at Maurice's death. Reports that he has been travelling about a lot since the end of the previous term; has been to Bournemouth, stayed with the Pauls at Bailie, and also at Freshwater, where he 'smoked a pipe with the Laureate'. Declares that Tennyson was 'exceedingly kind', and that he and Symonds 'had a most interesting conversation with him. Adds that Miss Thackeray was also there, 'most delightful of authoresses'. Hopes to go to Rugby on the Saturday of the following week. Reports that he has just seen Robertson, who is going to Harrow, 'but with eyes halfregretful fixed on Rugby'. Asks to be remembered to the Temples.

Herstmonceux - 'Personal influence exercised by a man having the peculiar gifts which qualify us to exercise it, seems to me of far greater importance than anything that mere institutions can effect for the development & cultivation of all life, especially of religious life; and therefore my main question wd be where can I find an able learned & pious man endowed with those gifts? The man being found, it would be a very minor consideration whether he had the care of a parish or the superintendence of a college, though each situation wd also have its special advantages'. If JCH had a son reading for ordination, he would send him to study under John F.D. Maurice: 'For notwithstanding the disadvantage of his position in London, & of his not having the care of a parish, I shd think the blessing of being constantly with him wd far more than counter balance everything else'. JCH gives a couple of other names he approves of who would be willing to take a pupil. Regarding the Diocesan Colleges, JCH is 'convinced that they are excellent institutions; and ours, I can answer for it, has done much good, & sent out many useful clergymen'. JCH sings the praises of the Principal of his College, Mr Brown. He is an admirable person and apparently an excellent teacher: 'He looks with great repugnance & dread on the Romanizing tendencies of the age'. JCH is pleased that WW has resumed his lecturing and to large audiences. W. Taylor is an expert translator but his book on German literature is miserably shallow. JCH sees 'no prospect of a time when I shall ever be able to arrange my etymological materials; & at least according to my view of it, etymology will be a sore root for old age'.

Writes on philosophy in Cambridge. States that the correspondence of Hare and Whewell gives him the impression 'that there was very little mental philosophy read at Cambridge in their younger days'. Whewell's lectures were very well attended in the early years after he was appointed professor, but the numbers attending declined after he began to develop his new system. Refers to the paper set on philosophy for the Trinity Fellowships, and to Trinity lecturers Thompson and Cope. Refers to his own undergraduate days from 1844 to 1848, and mentions the works on philosophy which were influential at that time: an article of ancient philosophy by [Maurice], and Lewes' Biographical History of Philosophy. Believes that Lewes led him and many of his contemporaries to read J.S. Mill.

States that in St. John's College in his time 'a meagre abridgement of Locke used to be read in the first year, which 'finally disappeared under Roby's zealous efforts to reform [the students].' In relation to mental philosophy in those days, remarks that there 'must have been persons who were fond of [it]', and reports that he say a copy of the French translation of some of Sir W. Hamilton's essays in the private room of the mathematical tutor Mr Hopkins. Relates that Herschel's [Preliminary Discourse on [the Study of] Natural Philosophy 'was a book much read at Cambridge'. Mentions the absence of any account of the Greek Philosophy in Thirlwall's History [of Greece], and the political activity in England consequent on the Reform Bill and its results, as possible causes of the lack of interest in [mental philosophy].

Refers to a perceived 'taste for philosophy' arising in the previous thirty years at Cambridge, and cites theological influences as the possible cause, e.g., Butler's Analogy [of Religion], the sermons of Harvey Goodwin, and Dr Mill's contact with Hare and his Christian Advocate publications. Relates having, with others, admired the Sermons of Archer Butler, and having encouraged Macmillan to buy Butler's manuscripts, and publish the Lectures on Ancient Philosophy. Thinks that they appeared in 1856. Refers to Sir W. Hamilton, who 'became first known to most Cambridge men for his attacks on mathematics and on the Universities', and to W. Walton 'of Trinity Hall formerly of Trin. Coll.'. Adds that in 1834 'Sterling and J.C. Hare and others wanted to found a prize for Essays on the Philosophy of Christianity in honour of Coleridge', but the H[eads] would not allow it. Announces that he shall publish two letters from Whewell to Hare on the subject.

Remarks that it seems 'an immense time' since he left Rugby, even though it has only been a fortnight. Reports that he had to move into other rooms when he first came up to Cambridge, as the floors in his own rooms were rotten. Is back in his own rooms now, where he has installed a new stove. Is glad that she enjoyed her visit to London. Wishes that he could have spent more time in the [Great] Exhibition, and comments on some of the works, including the statue of the 'Reading Girl' [by Pietro Magni], and Story's Cleopatra. Has recovered his watch from Wellington College. Comments that Minnie appears to be very busy. Remarks that there has been some theological excitement in consequence of Bishop Colenso's publication in the Guardian. Reports that it was believed for some time that the Reverend F.D. Maurice was going to resign his preferment, and come to reside [in Cambridge] 'in order to write freely on theological topics - but he has decided not to do so.' Reports that Kingsley is lecturing [very well] on America, and is writing in Macmillan's Magazine 'a child's tale [The Water Babies] so absurd that [Henry] almost thought he was cracked'. Hopes that his mother's legal difficulties will be resolved satisfactorily.

JCH returns to WW the proof sheets he sent him. He would be very happy to see WW if he came next week. Would WW send Frederick D. Maurice a testimonial in support of his attempt to become Professor of English at King's College. JCH hopes WW can persuade Connop Thirlwall to also come and visit him.

Notting Hill, London - WW 'must have felt some sympathy with us during the late distressing proceedings at King's College. Now in regard to what is personal in them, Maurice's [Frederick D. Maurice] friends may do what they like to show their affection for him; but it wd of course be unbecoming in me to take any part in such a demonstration: indeed I have felt convinced all along that to him this trial wd be only a purificatory process to fit him for the higher work appointed for him. But so far as the decision affects the church, I see no impropriety in my coming forward, along with others, to do what we can toward averting the evils which seem to me likely to ensue from it. For if the decision is acquiesced in without any protest or remonstrance, - if it is to be held that the belief in the everlasting duration of the torments of hell is an essential article of the faith of our Church, - I cannot but anticipate that the great mass of the thought and intellect of England, which of late years has been drawing nearer to the Church, and among divers classes, in no small measure, through the influences of M's [Maurice's] teaching, will be more and more alienated from her, and that many of the best men who were precarious to doubt themselves to her ministry, will seek refuge out of her pale, in Romanism or some form of pantheistic speculation. In the hope of doing something to counteract this, I have been taking counsel with Trench [Richard C. Trench] and some others; and have thought that a Protest, somewhat like the accompanying Draft, might be of great use, if, as we hope, it cd get a large body of signatures, weighty both from the character and from the number of signers'. What does WW think of such a measure and would he join it?

Reports that she has had some short letters from their travellers [William and Isabella Sidgwick, on their honeymoon], the last two from Palermo, where they have been since 30 March. States that their passage from Naples was 'delightful', and that, according to William, the climate of Palermo is 'perfect', and that both Isabel and he are in good health. Complains that none of the letters sent to them, apart from one from Amabel Thompson have reached William and Isabel by 3 April. Quotes from his letter regarding their movements in Sicily, and where letters are to be sent.

States that she duly sent Mr Leevis' letter of introduction. Wishes that Henry would write to him, and tells him to let her know where he intends to go after he leaves Cambridge. Refers to Professor Maurice's death and asks him if it will make any difference in Henry's work. Claims that it is very pleasant being there [in Exeter], and that until that day they have been a large party. Reports that the bishop [Frederick Temple] is gone that day on Visitation journeys, and will be in London at the meeting of the Rugby Governing Body on the following Friday. Claims that they all miss him, and that he is 'quite the life and spirit of the whole party.' Refers also to their 'welcome for Miss Temple and the 2 girls'. States that the country is lovely and that they have daily drives 'through very pretty places or to see some beautiful spot miles off.' Thinks that she shall be there until the middle of the following week, and that after that she will 'be lingering about the neighbourhood - seeing 2 or 3 friends'.

Reports that Arthur says that he will be in the Lake Country until 17 [April], and then she thinks he goes to London, and maybe to Cambridge. Adds that Mr Robertson is '[positively] going to Harrow as a Master.' Claims that they are all anxious about the following Friday's meeting.

Discusses Enfield's plans for the Christian Union, which he considers insufficient. Points out the apparent inconsistency between Enfield's own principle of leaving existing religious organisations alone and placing them all under a common Christian organisation, and his proposal to aid persons 'who in different sects are struggling to widen the terms of admission'. Gives his own view on sects. Agrees with Mr Martineau 'in almost all that he says' and believes, like the latter, of the importance of having 'a symbol of the common Christianity that runs through the sects'. Refers to Enfield's plans to bring out a series of tracts as a means of spreading opinion; suggests that a magazine might be more effective. Refers to an essay that he wrote in W.L. Clay's Essays on Church Policy [1868], in which he tried to demonstrates the common aspects of all sects. Discusses Christianity and Christian morality. Maintains that Enfield's plan contain too many 'negations', and thinks that the test of it will be inducing men like Mr [F. D.?] Maurice or Mr [John Llewellyn?] Davies to sympathise with its ideas.

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]

On embossed notepaper for The Retreat, Hammersmith, W. - Collection for Maurice by members of his Vere Street congregation; invites Houghton to contribute.

Discusses Henry Sidgwick's work The Development of European Polity, the proofs of which he has just finished reading; finds it more complete than he had though possible. There are many points in it that he would have liked to have discussed with Henry; for example, that he attaches far less weight to 'Seeley's speculations about the Government of England during the XVIIIth century' than Henry appears to do. Refers to Henry's thoughts about Switzerland; is certain that had he lived to complete the book he would have dealt with the issue of how 'in the Swiss cantons there never arose a tyrant....'

Now, since the substance of the book cannot be changed, he has little or nothing, as a critic, to say about it; says, however, how deeply the book impressed him with its value, and praises it as a work of historical speculation. It has been of real help to him in his attempt 'to trace the connection between Law and Opinion during the XIXth century'; gives further details, with reference to collectivism, individualism, socialism, Benthamism, despotism, the relations between Church and State, the development of constitutionalism in England and the emergence of the modern state, as well as the 'Factory Acts', the 'Tory Philanthropists', [J.S.] Mill, and [F.D.] Maurice. Is certain that there are many other people to whom the book will be helpful 'by the direction it gives to their thought and by the mode of thinking, which it encourages.'

Remarks on how sad it must be for Nora to have before her the constant feeling of how much more Henry could have done had he lived longer, but hopes that she can understand what a pleasure and comfort it is to his friends to have the book 'as such an exquisite memorial of him.' Is sending back the proofs separately. Will visit his cousin [Caroline Stephen] at 'The Porch' on Saturday 29 November, and is to spend Sunday there; asks Nora if she will be in Cambridge, as it would be a great pleasure for him if she could see him. Referring back to The Development of European Polity, remarks that he noticed that 'every now and then there were passages where the expression "on the one hand" and "on the other hand" seemed to [him] to have got a little confused', and suggests that 'two pieces from different lectures might have been joined together'. Regrets to say that his wife, who is at Tunbridge Wells, is not very well. Asks for Miss Fawcett's address in South Africa, as he wishes to send her a copy of the sixth edition of his book The Law of the Constitution, which is just coming out.

Referring to his bust of F.D. Maurice.