ΤΟ THE REV. W. TIDD MATSON, OF GOSPORT. Dear Matson, I had dedicated this volume to a certain companion of our wanderings, but need not tell you why that scheme is now too late. Do you remember Paul Meredith, and the Zahringer Hof, and the merry drives through pleasant Nyon, peaceful Bex, and sunny Coppet, and the long theological conversation we had before entering quaint and galleried Berne? No two persons could be less likely than ourselves to look backward to Rome as the spring of truth and star of hope, rather than forward to the Universal Church of the future, growing we trust, slowly, but surely in the minds of men, despite their varying views as to outward form and ceremony; and yet, who could appear more completely free from any prejudice engendered by her religious faith, than Melanie! May all that is familiar to you in these pages bring pleasant recollections, and may no short comings of mine cloud a friendship as rare and as agreeable as it has been warm and lasting. I remain, Dear Matson, Faithfully yours, EDWARD CHARLES MOGRIDGE. Handsworth, Staffordshire. |