[Some time later, on September 14, 1890, writing to Mr. Hyde Clarke, the philologist, who was ten years his senior, he remarks on his object in undertaking this controversy:—]
I am glad to see that you are as active-minded as ever. I have no doubt there is a great deal in what you say about the origin of the myths in Genesis. But my sole point is to get the people who persist in regarding them as statements of fact to understand that they are fools.
The process is laborious, and not yet very fruitful of the desired conviction.
To Sir Joseph Prestwich.
4 Marlborough Place, N.W., January 16, 1886.
My dear Prestwich,
Accept my best thanks for the volume of your Geology, which has just reached me.
I envy the vigour which has led you to tackle such a task, and I have no doubt that when I turn to your book for information I shall find reason for more envy in the thoroughness with which the task is done.
I see Mr. Gladstone has been trying to wrest your scripture to his own purposes, but it is no good. Neither the fourfold nor the fivefold nor the sixfold order will wash.
Ever yours very faithfully,