Pièce 62 - William Whewell to Julius Charles Hare

6 pp.

WW appreciated JCH's kind and encouraging words with regard to his appointment as Master of Trinity College. The 'influence of the lakes and mountains have done something I think to tranquillize and strengthen me and prepare me for active life'. WW does not think JCH comprehended his 'perplexity about the imputation of guilt' [see WW to JCH, 25 July 1841]. It is our duty to conform our whole character to the Divine rule: 'If we do not do this, we offend; and any special acts of sin only betray this want of perfect discipline in our character. Hence though we may commit special sins, the real offence resides in that omission of self discipline which makes it possible for us so to sin. How then can special sins have each their special guilt; since they have none except what is included in the original guilt of neglecting the means of proving ourselves to perfection? I believe this is still not clear'. WW has some views which may act upon the two evils at college JCH speaks of - 'too much emulation and too much private tuition - but both are extremely difficult subjects'. If JCH has any books he feels should enter a clerical education let him know. When JCH speaks of bringing 'the University to take a more active part in the great movement now going on in the church', does he mean the extension of churches or discussions respecting doctrine?