‘I object to your sentence, that you would rather your father thought what was not true, than that he should think what is certainly the truth, viz. that he has been in some way to blame. Also to that “I cannot bear this sorrow to fall on him.” We have simply to do the right, and believe that God knows what He is about, when He lets pain come upon us for our mistakes; pains us, yes, “shatters us,” that we may know the truth better. How many a parent or teacher tries to spare a child pain, and wrongly. You will not, of course, willingly pain any, much less the father whom you love so much, but you have both of you simply to speak the truth and do what conscience bids you.... Say frankly and firmly what you feel you must do, and then drop the subject.... You remind me of those good Christians who beg us not to hang a man, “lest he should fall into the hands of God.” God can care for people whether alive or dead, but I believe your father would really suffer less, and be worried less, by a simple straightforward course of conduct. You are thinking of self too much, thinking yourself of too much importance when you say, “I am only thinking of the sorrow that threatens him and how I can bear it.” Perhaps God is leading him to truer views of the Father.’
The following letter, written in August 1888, refers to Miss Arnold’s appointment as Head-mistress of the Truro High School:—
To the same:—
‘August 1888.
‘Do not trouble yourself about whatever you ought to have done now. It is done, and you thought it right, so it was right. I think of your Bishop saying in his quiet way, “I do the best I can, and then I just leave it.” I dare say the Lakes will refresh you. It is “heart-rending,” I doubt not. I wept all the day that I left Queen’s, but it was well. We are having a delightful time....
‘Now I must stop my 15th letter. I had to get up at 5 A.M., the days are so full.’
To the same:—
‘September 1888.
‘I think you are beginning to-day, at least you are a good deal in my thoughts, and you will want a lot of wisdom. It is a comfort to remember, “If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally.” I am so glad you have Miss ——. It is a great thing to have a few who work for love only....
‘Don’t be hasty in making changes, and don’t take to caps!’