| 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 HS to get in contact with him directly. 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 HS'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 HS to recommend a suitable hotel in London. |