[Written with the aid of a typewriter.]
“Tunbridge Wells, August, 1890.
“What do you think of this? I have been contriving a plan for writing without seeing: I hope it will answer, but as yet I get on very slowly.”
[Also typewritten.]
“Tenchley, October 12th, 1891.
“I am thinking of you very much in your return to our dear old home, and trust the Lord Himself is with you. I do not like the thought of your being alone, but there is a great difference between being alone and being lonely, and lonely we need never be if only we have the companionship of our Father in Heaven, and that I trust you are enjoying.
“We are hoping to return on Thursday, if God permit: I trust it will please Him to grant it.
“Let us all pray that there may not merely be three sisters, but the three sister-graces, Faith, Hope, and Love, abiding together in our happy home.”
“Thoughts on Old Age.—1891.
“Its temptations:—
“1. Indisposition to exertion.—In many cases there is real physical inability. The old muscles are worn out, so that ‘the grasshopper becomes a burden,’ and every movement requires effort. The natural result of this is, we move as little as possible and are glad to have as much as possible done for us. But there is very often a still worse result—namely, that we are apt to leave things undone altogether; we do not like to give in, but when the time comes for action we shrink from the exertion.
“2. Selfishness.—Aged people meet with a great amount of attention; their comfort is a matter of continual thought to many loving hearts. Household arrangements are all made to suit them; young people are exceedingly kind to them; they read to them, write for them, help them in every possible manner, and do all in their power to minister to their happiness and comfort. The result is that the old man is apt to consider himself as much as others.”
In his latter years there was an added joy in visiting the homes of his married sons and daughters.
The circle of interest widened in sympathy with the joys and sorrows of his grandchildren, and it is no small proof of the tenderness and strength of his character that a man of his age, with so much to occupy his mind in public and private things, could find time for letters to the boys and girls of the second generation. The two following letters are instances of this.
To one of his grandsons:—
“Tunbridge Wells, February 7th, 1890.
“Dear Chris.,—I have been thinking of you every day, and praying to our Heavenly Father to make you a good and happy boy.
“I know it is a very sad thing for you to lose Louis, but I have also been thinking what a delightful duty it puts upon you, for now you have your father and mother all to yourself, and are the only boy at home to attend to them and try to make them happy. I think this is a great pleasure and privilege, and I expect to have a nice letter some day from your mother to say that dear Chris. is so good and attentive that he makes the home quite cheerful. But we are such fallen creatures that you cannot do this unless the Lord Himself helps you. So I trust He will do so, and make you a joy to your father and mother.
“Your affectionate Grandfather,
“E. Hoare.”
To one of his granddaughters:—