And you will have the reward of the Visitation of the Sick, though every day I am more sure of the mistake made by good people universally—in trying to pull fallen people up—instead of keeping yet safe ones from tumbling after them, and always spending their pains on the worst instead of the best material. If they want to be able to save the lost like Christ, let them first be sure they can say with Him, "Of those Thou gavest Me I have lost none."
Ever affectionately yours,
J. Ruskin.
The 'Epilogue's' an awful bother to me in this May time! I have not done a word yet, but you shall have it before the week is out.
30.
April 17.
The letters seem all very nice—I shall have very little to say about them, except to explain what you observe and have been misunderstood.... Of course my notes shall be sent to you and added to when you see need. But I cannot do it quickly.
31.
April 14, 1880.
Thanks for nice new proofs. I haven't found any false references, but I didn't look. I'll have all verified by my secretary. I'm busy with an article on modern novels and don't feel a bit pious just now; so the responses have hung fire.