SIR ROBERT ANDERSON
Secret Service
Theologian
CHAPTER VI
FRIENDSHIPS
In one aspect Sir Robert
Anderson's theological writings reflect the man - his sturdy Ulster inheritance
and training, his clear-cut, logical habit of thought, his impatience with any
form of "mediating" theology, his capacity for dealing hard straight blows, and
his unsparing condemnation of anything he judged a departure from the truth.
What they do not reflect in adequate measure is his fundamental geniality,
beautiful simplicity of spirit, and abundant kindness of heart. These are
enshrined not in books but in the hearts of all his friends.
E. H., in
The Christian, 28th November 1918
"SOME who only knew Sir Robert from his writings and public
utterances may have missed any clue to the traits which endeared him to his
more intimate friends. He had a rare genius for friendship."
So wrote one
of the oldest of these, Mr. J. W. C. Fegan. The expression "a genius for
friendship" may sound almost trite; but I know not how else to account for that
which won the warm affection of a host of men and women of high and low estate
and widely differing character and interests.
One can think of few
temperaments in some respects more dissimilar than those of Dr. Handley Moule,
sometime Bishop of Durham, and my father. Yet there was between them a close
bond of understanding and Christian affection. When this memoir was first being
prepared Dr. Moule said: "It will be a personal happiness to me that anything
affecting me should be included in your memoir of your father, that friend
whose never-failing friendship was for long years one of the treasured
possessions of my life. Anything to make those who had not the privilege of his
friendship know something of his rare character, its gifts and the many-sided
power behind them, must be of value for both minds and hearts."
Dr. Stuart
Holden, who contributed the Foreword to the first edition, in thanking me for
letting him see an intimate letter, wrote: "It gives me no surprise, as I have
had the privilege in recent years of getting many such a glimpse into the heart
of love and tenderness sometimes disguised by an austere manner." The letter
was one asking forgiveness for some expressions misunderstood by a great
friend. "I now recognise," it said, that my words are open to the
construction you have placed upon them". and I wish frankly to withdraw them,
and to express unreservedly my deep and sincere regret for the pain they have
given you. Forgive me this wrong. And may I venture to hope that it will be 'as
God for Christ's sake has forgiven you,' reaching on to and including the 'no
more remembrance'?
Reference has already been made to the life-long
friendships formed at " T.C.D." and in the south and west of Ireland. Some of
them, notably with the Blands, Trenches and Talbot-Crosbies, and the family of
the Rev. J. Denham-Smith, have been continued to the third and fourth
generation. But all along the way his devotion to the life of Christian service
and witness was repaid by the love and affection bestowed upon him; whilst many
whose acquaintance was made in the course of official or public duty became
warm friends.
But it was only to those who got beneath the surface that his
real character was revealed. After his death Mr. Fegan wrote in the Christian
When I was on my first evangelistic visit in Kerry, Mr. F. C. Bland, who
was - to use a word of his own coining - a very judgmatical man, said to me in
his characteristic vein of affectionate raillery, 'Bob Anderson is a daring
impostor. He assumes an air of stoical reserve ; but the truth is that his
heart is as tender as a woman's.' In all the varying experiences of a
friendship of forty-five years I have found it so. I have often said to those
who took exception to some harsh phrase of his in controversy that if I was in
deep sorrow or trouble I knew no friend to whom I could turn with greater
assurance for heartfelt and comforting sympathy. . . . I must say no more. I
could not withhold this much in tribute to one of the staunchest, tenderest
friends that ever man had."
Association with Lord Aberdeen in the work of
Royal Commissions led to a sincere personal friendship, invitations to Haddo
House following the official intercourse. Letters to my mother tell of one of
these visits, apparently in 1876. (The letters are undated.) On the evening of
his arrival he said : I had a first séance with Lord A. over
business; then a walk by the lakes; after lunch a drive with Lady Aberdeen and
Lady Harriet Lindsay; a game of tennis with Lady Katherine afterwards. Since
then I've been romping with the children (Lady Harriet's). I so wish you and
Artie were here. Now on coming to my room I find the fire lighted and
everything most snug. Lord A. assured me he liked his friends to act as
if they were really at home, and if I wanted a fire early in the day, or tea at
any hour, I was to ring and order it. As for the tea, it is to be had in the
hall at 4.30 and goes on till 6, so that I am in clover. Indeed I never was in
a pleasanter house (except Ardfert !) or with kinder people. Lord A.
interrupted me by coming in to explain that ladies were scarce and that he
couldn't find one for me, but asked me to sit next his sister's ' young man,'
Lord Balfour of Burleigh, whom I know in official circles, a very nice fellow
indeed. We sat down 16 to dinner, a very swell affair; the first time I ever
dined off silver plate, save at a city dinner! After dinner we had some music,
Mr. Turle playing much - for 50 years the organist of Westminster Abbey, a very
nice old gentleman. At 10.30 we all tooled off to a little chapel or
meeting-room, and Lord A. conducted family prayers. I counted 12 servant women
and 5 men. Afterwards I had some talk with Lady A. whom I found to be a true
Christian. I am now gone to bed."
The following day: I have just had
my romp with the children. I couldn't have believed I should be so thoroughly
at home. I have only wanted you to share it all to make me supremely happy."
Next evening, Sunday : I feel I have really made friends here. I went to
the Parish Church in the morning. Two omnibuses started, one with the servants,
women inside, men out ; the other with the ladies and those who preferred
driving to walking. . . . At 6.30 p.m. Lord A. read the evening service, Mr.
Turle at the harmonium, a new one presented to Lady K. by the servants. Dinner
at 8 and sacred music all the evening."
A visit in 1884 was on the occasion
of a reception to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Gladstone; he was at that time the famous
Victorian Premier, the opponent of Disraeli and Salisbury. Monday, 15th
September was the great day. About midnight a description was written to my
mother
The people had collected in hundreds in front of the house,
awaiting the G.O.M., [the Grand Old Man,] as Mr. Gladstone was popularly
called. At 6.30 Lord Aberdeen who had gone to old Meldrum to meet them
rode up amid cheers. A few minutes afterwards arrived the Gladstones in a
carriage-and-four escorted by about 300 of the tenantry on horseback. The
Gladstones came up to the house where all the party had gathered round Lady
Aberdeen, the cheering being worthy of some 1200 Scottish throats. After the
G.O.M. had shaken hands with the Haddo guests, one of the oldest tenants
addressed a few words of welcome. Meanwhile the 'cavalry' had formed up under
the balcony, the people on foot on the grass beyond, and Mr. Gladstone made a
speech in reply. All this you can read in the papers. The dinner was a big one,
as a number of local celebrities were invited. The biggest swells among the new
arrivals were Lord and Lady Elgin. . . . P.S. (Tuesday). I am at the library
table, and the G.O.M. has just sat down beside me at the next blotter and might
look over my shoulder!"
Again, late that night: After I wrote to-day
we had the photo of the house-party. Then I got Mr. Glyn, Lord Elgin and Mr.
Henry Gladstone, and we had two good hours tennis. We had a big dinner again;
34 sat down." I still have the photo of this group, which included, in addition
to the Gladstones and Aberdeens and the present Marquess as a small boy, the
Rev, the Hon. E. Carr Glyn, afterwards Bishop of Peterborough, and Lady Mary
Glyn, the Earl and Countess of Elgin (he was Viceroy of India, 1894 - 99), Mr.
Henry Gladstone, and various Scottish notables. The last letter from Haddo has
a postscript: I think my fate is sealed and I suppose I'll stay another
day. We have had a particularly pleasant party this evening; the Glyns, Lady
Tavistock, Mrs. and Miss Hogg, Dr. Donaldson and Mr. Henry Gladstone. We had
great fun all round, and very definite appeals to me to stay another day. Mr..
Sholto Douglas comes to-morrow. I had a long quiet chat with Lady Aberdeen this
evening. She and A. were kinder and more cordial than ever in the
leave-taking."
His hostess wrote in reply to a thanks-letter: I hope
there may be many repetitions of your visit. It is a great comfort to me to
think that you are to be the one with whom Aberdeen is to work for the next
year or two." And his host: Yes, I think Miss Hogg's ideas, for instance,
underwent a revolution or got a revelation as to the formidably staid and
respected Mr. Anderson!"
Mention of Mr. Sholto Douglas recalls another
incident. Writing the same year from Douglas Support, Coatbridge, my father
said: This morning I drove with Lady de Crespigny to see Bosworth Castle;
we are sworn friends. I find Mr. Douglas had been warning the ladies that all
levity was to cease when I came, and nothing to be spoken about except
evangelical and prophetic topics. Lady de C. confessed they had looked forward
to my advent with anything but pleasure!" When at Haddo again the following
year, he wrote describing a Sunday: Professor Henry Drummond and I
absconded after breakfast and made for the Free Kirk, where I occupied the
pulpit. . . . Tea at 5.30 and Chapel at 6.30. It was full and many were shut
out. Lord A. read the service and Professor D. gave the sermon. Dinner at 8.45,
and after a spell of talk and some sacred music, I was very glad to see A.
bring out a heap of hymn-books, and we all had some hymns before separating. It
is very happy to see this element in the midst of such princely and luxurious
living."
There is a beautiful photograph of the Haddo Chapel in We
Twa, the memoirs of Lord and Lady Aberdeen. Lady Aberdeen tells there that
Archbishop Tait advised against a formal consecration, as this would involve
its belonging to and being under the authority of one particular Church. He
thought, and the Aberdeens agreed, that it would be much better for it to be
nominally just a room in the house, built in the form of a chapel, and
dedicated to the special service of God. Accordingly it was opened on 11th
December 1881 by a service conducted by Mr. Carr Glyn, then Vicar of
Kensington. My father seems to have lost touch somewhat for a time with the
Aberdeens, possibly on account of their very divergent views on the Irish Home
Rule controversy. When Governor-General of Canada, however, Lord Aberdeen wrote
thanking him for the gift of a book, and kindly added : If ever I can be
of any use, e.g. in showing attention to any friends to whom you might wish to
give letters of introduction, pray let me know." And a diary entry during a
visit to Dublin at a later date reads : To Vice-regal Lodge to tea.
Aberdeen as friendly as of old."
The last letter I have come across was one
thanking my father for an "expression, most warm and true, of deep sympathy" on
the death as the result of an accident on 16th December 1909, of the Hon.
Archie Gordon at the early age of twenty-five. A photograph in the uniform of
A.D.C. to his father, then Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, accompanied the letter,
and a booklet giving the story of his short life. Under the photo are the
words: "Thanks be to God Who giveth us the victory." Ties of warm friendship
and fellowship in the Gospel and Bible study were formed with the Rev. Sholto
D. C. Douglas, mentioned above, Rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, and
afterwards of St. Silas, Glasgow.
After his marriage to Miss Violet Paget
visits to their summer home at Balmacara on Loch Alsh became a delight. "Such a
view!" runs a letter to my mother. "The hills looked as they do in Herbert's
frescoes of the East, save that the colouring far surpasses the East. Not a
cloud from horizon to horizon, and a panorama of lake and sea and mountain like
Rigi and Derryquin in one. . . . Evening service (Church of Scotland) at 6,
which I took ; the little place packed, the majority men, not a few of them
kilted."
In the summer of 1893 my brother Alan and I were there with my
father on a never-forgotten visit. Others in the house- party were Dr. E. W.
Bullinger, the Rev. H. L. C. and Mrs. de Candole, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Davidson,
Count Moltke of Copenhagen, Mr. Alister and the Hon. Mrs. Fraser, and Mr.
Thomas Stockdale. Our hostess divided us into major and minor prophets for the
daily Bible Readings which made the Balmacara visits so much more than the
sheer enjoyment they were in any case. As ever my father wrote home about it
all. One letter tells of a visit to Skye: "We weighed anchor in the Skeandhu
for Portree at 11.30. The occasion was to see Lord and Lady Macdonald (Mr. D.'s
cousins), and he came on board as soon as we arrived. We had a very enjoyable
run back, reaching home at 8, and dinner was late. Now all the party are gone
to bed, and I'll follow. . . . P.S. I didn't. I took up the Graphic and became
so interested in the sinking of the Victoria that before going up I read the
report of the court-martial. Then I saw a steamer with brilliant lights coming
as it seemed ashore. This morning I found she was the Iolanthe, Sir Donald
Currie's yacht. The day broke exquisitely, and throughout it was one of Mrs.
D.'s 'blue days' in which everything looks unnaturally beautiful. . . . The
evening meeting was crammed; Sir D. Currie, Sir J. Pease, Mr. Shaw Stewart and
others (three M.P.s) ; also a number of the crews of the Jolanthe and Fire Fqy
(R.Y.S.). Very solemn. Mr. Stewart and I went back with Sir Donald and dined on
board."
His diary for 1892 records : "In the yacht to Glenelg. Tea at the
Master of Blantyre's; then up the Glen to see the famous Pictish tower, a
wonderful ruin said to be 2000 years old." Warmhearted invitations to Balmacara
came year after year; and Mrs. Douglas in her inimitable way describes the
attractions of that lovely spot. To my mother she wrote : "We are in a spell of
Divine loveliness which no words out of the Bible can describe. Even Balmacara
is more like the New Earth than it has ever been; and I have grudged every hour
of it, feeling all through how your dear man would revel in it all, how he
would roast himself in the hot sun and grow speechless in the beauty. I cannot
tell how I long for you both to come and enjoy it with us. Do pack up and come
to-morrow, dear, dear people."
One summer our own family and our friends
the Cootes went to Ramsgate, taking two adjoining school buildings, complete
with swimming-bath, playing-fields, and other attractions for boys and girls. A
letter from Mrs. Douglas containing some choice sarcasm came to "My very dear
friends" : "We wonder," she wrote, "at the vulgarity of your preference for
Ramsgate over Balmacara. . . . Ramsgate ! ! ! Well, it is nice to see the
'arrys enjoying themselves and to listen to the band and watch the niggers. And
the wild shrieks of the Pipes welcoming us at night, as we come home in the
sunset from the rugged Coolins or the lonely Lochs, of course cannot compete
with the music of the Spa ! But still we wonder at you ! " Then follow more
raptures about the beauties of the Highland home : "I feel I could open my arms
and take into them the scenes, the peat smells, the weird lights, the lovely
bare rocky heathery stretches, the Highland cattle and shaven sheep, as if they
were human things to hug and love. Don't you feel just that same sort of
drawing towards the nigger minstrels and the donkeys on the sands, and the
elephantine hotels on the parade? I am sure you do!"
Another letter in July
1896, to my father, speaks of all the hills being lit up with lights such as
are only to be seen at "Bal." or in Heaven; "and we groaned that you were not
with us; we are having a proper honeymoon this time, expecting no one except
you or Bully, or such like odds and ends " - Bully being Dr. Bullinger. A few
days later: 'We are delighted to think that you will be an 'odds and ends' with
us. We will let you do exactly what you feel inclined for from morning to
night; unlimited tea, fresh made! What other inducements can we offer? Absolute
rest of mind and body. If you care to join us in Biblical researches you shall;
but we promise not to be scandalised if you snooze on the beach instead, for we
have great sympathy with what must be your longing to think of nothing but food
and air."
A note thanking my parents for going to call on Mr. and Mrs.
Douglas when on a short visit to London says : "Yes, it was nice of you to toil
up to us so often, real friendly; but indeed I could as little doubt your true
and lasting friendship as I could Sholto's love to me!" Visits were often paid
to Rossie Priory, Perthshire, the home of Lord and Lady Kinnaird. Writing after
my mother's death, the Hon. Emily Kinnaird said: "Your father and mother have
been associated with our whole life, and we have such happy recollections of
his visits and her devotion to you all." My father's diary for 1908 records :
"Chapel at 6. Full. Spoke on Luke iv. 14-30. Bishop Taylor Smith took the
opening prayer. I spoke for near 50 minutes: very attentive: ended with the
story of my conversion . . . ." (Later) "Fourth day of rain ! I perambulated
the corridors ; from the end of mine to the end of the picture room is 16o
yards; the hall is 50 yards."
Yachting on the Clyde used to be enjoyed with
special friends Mr. and Mrs. William Sloan of Dunara, Helensburgh, whose eldest
daughter was one day to be my wife. The diary mentions my father's preaching in
the two parish kirks (Church of Scotland) at Helensburgh and in the
Congregational and United Free churches. The Duncan Davidsons of Inchmarlo,
Captain and Mrs. Bisset at Lessendrum, and the Blackwoods at Gogar Mount near
Edinburgh, were other folk in Scotland who welcomed my parents. The
"Reminiscence" in Blackwood's Magazine were the basis of the book The
Lighter Side of my Official Life.
Besides frequent visits to the Dublin
relations, Irish hospitality was extended by the Barcrofts at Newry, the Boyds
of Ballymacool, Lord Langford at Kilcock, and Sir Algernon and Lady Coote of
Ballyfin. A diary entry refers to a visit to the latter: "At evening prayers I
had all the household and a number of the outside staff (31 in all) and gave
them a talk on Acts xvii and God's gifts to us, forgiveness, life, sonship."
Ballyfin, like Moore Abbey, not far away, has since then passed into other
hands.
One of the chief pleasures of my father's later years came as a
result of his official duties. During the dynamite campaigns Scotland Yard
officers were stationed at various home and foreign ports: and at places such
as Dover, Folkestone, Calais and Boulogne their presence had proved of such
value that it was decided to continue their services. A gang of criminals had
for years lived in luxury on the contents of purses and pocketbooks stolen on
the Channel steamers. But some had far bigger game in the shape of valuable
securities in the ships' treasure chests, keys for which they were able to
secure. The C.I.D. men were of great assistance to the French police in keeping
watch on these gentry, but there was always some danger of friction, and it was
thought advisable for the Chief to pay occasional unexpected visits. The
railway company who were also the owners of the steamers gave him a free pass
between London and Calais, very kindly making it available for himself and
another. Not only so, but they continued issuing the pass after his retirement
from Scotland Yard. This meant that my mother or one of us could accompany him
on cross-ChanneTrips, having lunch or tea on the French side. Often my people
stayed at Dover, crossing on fine days, and enjoying not only the trip but
meeting friends and acquaintances on board. In this way they got to know the
Marine Superintendent, Captain Dixon; the Harbour-Master, Captain Iron; as well
as the Commanders of the ships, amongst whom were Captains Bennett, Dane,
Paine, Hancock, King and Belchamber, some of whom became warm friends. A
genuine welcome always came from the railway officials as well as from the
detective officers and others. My mother and Sister too became familiar figures
on the Admiralty Pier at Dover, receiving friendly greetings on every hand.
Amongst the fellow-passengers most frequently met was Mr. Alfred Harmsworth,
afterwards Lord Northcliffe, whom they often saw in London also. In view of the
supposed influence of newspaper magnates in the making and unmaking of
politicians and governments the following note is of interest. (Mr. Asquith had
resigned the Premiership in December 1916 and been succeeded by Mr. Lloyd
George)
"PRINTING HOUSE SQUARE, "LONDON, E.C.
"I4th Jan. 1917.
"DEAR SIR ROBERT, - I would have replied before, but I have been out to the
war.
"Miss Asquith is rather sanguine if she thinks we shall hear any more
of Papa. I understand that he has no desire for further work.
"Yours
sincerely,
"NORTHCLIFFE."
When not crossing themselves my people used
to find constant interest in watching the sailing and arrival of the Channel
steamers. Many diary entries refer to this, such as - " Madame Sarah Bernhardt
and Company on board." Amongst the crowned heads and others mentioned are the
Kings of Spain and Portugal, the Shah of Persia, the Khedive of Egypt, the
Crown Prince and Princess of Sweden, the Maharajah of Jeypur. Other items in
the diaries are: "Passed Holbein on his swim about 1.5 miles out. . . . Saw
Lord Roberts receive the Freedom of Dover." (Both on 28th August 1902). A few
days earlier: "Banquet to Officers of German Warship Stein"; and the
same year: "Procession of the Court of Guestling; Mayors of the Cinque Ports,
etc."
In those days a trip from London to Calais and back in a day was not
quite such a trifle as it is now; and many people had unpleasant memories of
the crossing. When discussing the Channel Tunnel scheme during the visit to
Walmer Castle, mentioned in Chapter IV my father spoke of going over for
pleasure Lord Salisbury's response was - " For pleasure?" However, when
occasionally at breakfast he decided to "go to France," everything possible
used to be done by the officials to make the journey by train and boat
comfortable and pleasant, and of course he. chose his day. From the diaries I
find that thirty-seven visits to Calais were made in 1898 and thirty-eight in
1902, and many almost every year, most of them just from Dover.
The view of
the White Cliffs from the Channel suggested thoughts to him besides the
customary ones. When pleading for prison reform in his book Criminals and
Crime he wrote: "Some who read these pages will know nothing of the
structure of a gaol. When next they find themselves upon a Calais steamer let
them glance up at the prison on Dover Cliffs, and realise that all those rows
of cells are so designed as to prevent the imnates from seeing the English
Channel. . . . There may be gaols where no outlook could be given that might
not be deemed unsuitable. But here, if the cells on the southern side were
fitted with windows extending from wall to wall and from floor to ceiling, the
prisoner could look on nothing but sea and sky, and in Nature's brighter moods
the far-off coast of France. And the prospect might well make him pine for
liberty with moistened eyes instead of with clenched teeth and knitted brow."
Apart from the enjoyment of the sea trips, one of the great , attractions
of Dover was visiting the Worsfold Mowlls, the Martyn Mowlls and their
families. Years afterwards Mr. Rutley Mowll recalled "with happy memories those
visits to Whitfield; days of sparkling wit, delightful anecdotes, and spiritual
joy." One of the family, Dr. Howard Mowll, Archbishop of Sydney, wrote recently
to my sister:
"It was such a pleasure to hear from you. It brought back so
many memories. I always remember several of Sir Robert's Bible Readings in our
Hall in Dover, especially his saying on one occasion, 'What is your conception
of God? How few have the Psalmist's majestic conception of God !' . . . His
books are still a great help to our theological students. Then I think of dear
Lady Agnes and her many kindnesses, and her pleasure when she saw me carrying a
large Bible !"
Recalling those Dover days Colonel C. M. Davidson of His
Majesty's Bodyguard wrote: "I look back with pleasure to the bright talks I
enjoyed with Sir Robert on Dover Pier - so full of interest and always
impressing one with his Christian faith. He was so consistent, and one always
felt the better." My father's 1912 diary records "a long talk with P., who
declared himself an infidel and seemed very hard, but softened somewhat at
last." That talk was on Dover Pier.
Amongst the friends with whom my
parents used to stay in England were the Barrow Cadburys of Birmingham, Sir
Victor and Lady Buxton in the Epping Forest, the Herbert Apperleys and D. C.
Apperley , the T. A. Dennys, the Boakes and the Brand-Apperleys. There were,
too, the Edward Trotters, Herbert Trittons, and Hanburys, as well as the
Fegans, Macalisters, and others mentioned elsewhere. Referring to one of his
visits to the Whit- wells at Oxford, my father's diary records : "Dined at All
Souls. I sat at head of table with Prof. Dicey on left and Prof. Edgeworth on
right. . . . Very pleasant evening; told a series of Irish and other stories."
The Rev. W. Mitchell-Carruthers wrote after my mother's death: "How greatly I
valued the friendship of your parents, and what a delight your father's annual
visits to me in the days when I was at Holbrook." (Mr. Carruthers was the
rector.)
Some of the friends from across the Atlantic who visited our home
were the Revs. Dr. Harris Gregg, Dr. James Gray, Dr. Robert Cameron, Dr. A. C.
Dixon, Dr. C. I. Scofield, editor of the Scofield Bible, and Mr. Charles
Alexander of the Torrey Alexander and Chapman-Alexander Missions. Dr. Cameron
wrote: "I want you to know that I count it one of the highest joys of my life
to have enjoyed your fellowship." And Dr. Gray spoke of the possibility of
meeting my father as one of the great attractions of a visit to England. The
recent war gives added interest to this extract from a long letter in 1916 from
General Ralph Prime of Yonkers
"These two years of awful history have been
full of intense concern for you with all of us. I need not tell you that
England and the English have the deepest sympathy of all our people. I do not
know of an American but thinks and feels for your people. If we were all
fellow-citizens of Great Britain we could not feel more deeply for you. . . .
We send you our best wishes and prayers for God's protecting care and grace.
May the Good Lord have you and yours in his keeping."
Other welcome
visitors from overseas included the Hon. W. H. Edgar of Australia, the Revs.
Alexander Reese and Eldred Hercus of New Zealand, and the New Hebrides
missionaries Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Frater and the Rev. Fred. Paton. On hearing
of Sir Robert's death, Dr. John Hoskin, K.C., of Toronto, wrote: "It is with
much deep sorrow of heart I learn that my very dear friend has been summoned
Home. My friendship for him was deep, and so long as I live I shall remember
him." And Miss Carpmael, Dr. Hoskin's niece, has sent this kind appreciation of
my father:
"He was so utterly sincere, so devoted to his Lord and so
genuinely kind to all, high or low, rich or poor, that he was greatly beloved
wherever he went. . . . My uncle when dying asked me, to read a passage from
The Gospel and its Ministry."
My father was fortunate in the medical
men whom be numbered amongst his friends. Dr. T. Gilbart-Smith, one of the
oldest of these, wrote once: "Robert, my old friend, your friendship is one of
the brightest spots in this dark London." And years later Mrs. Gilbart-Smith
said : "Oh, how Gilbart loved him, I think more than any other man outside our
own family." Another friend of early Irish days was Dr. Hamilton Bland; right
to the close of my father's life he had unbounded confidence in this beloved
physician. Others who attended him from time to time were drawn to him in a
special degree; Mr. Mark Hovell said: "I always thought of him more as a friend
than a patient." At a time of distressing heart weakness, Dr. Bezley Thorne
wrote, "I am so thankful to learn that you have had a restful night. Thank God
for it." Although not treating him professionally, Dr. Frederick Price became a
warm family friend in later years. "Your father," he wrote, "was a great man
and his life had far-reaching influence. He had a really great intellect;
besides which he had a child-like faith in Christ - not a frequent combination.
I got to love him."
"Why, oh why did we not know each other in bygone
years?" said the Rev. J. H. Townsend; and a letter from the Rev. Dr. C. H.
Waller ended, "Yours ever (but I do love a scrimmage with you !)." Two letters
began thus: "My dear old over-worked Detective," and "My dear Darius, the
friend of Daniel," the latter a reference to Daniel in the Critics' Den.
Remembrance of the early Irish days is in these other brief extracts. Mrs. Pery
Knox Gore wrote: "Many and many a time you and the dear old days are in my
mind. God bless you, dear old friend. May He in His own good time send you to
be among us here again." Another letter, referring to those times, begins:
"Very dear old Andern, It is good to find you are just the same affectionate
old friend as of old." In lighter vein, thanking him for a new book, Miss Bland
of the Kerry family says: "You blessed man, not only will I forgive you
anything you have done (and that is saying a good deal), but I will forgive you
anything you may do!"
I can think of only one occasion when my father
committed a real faux pas. Shortly after I went to the Leys School he came to
see me, and in the course of conversation with the famous Head, Dr. W. F.
Moulton, he introduced some of his favourite criticisms of the Revised Version
of the Bible. He told me afterwards how if suddenly dawned on him that "the
Doctor" in defending the Revisers was using the word "we." He had had no idea
that he was speaking to the Dr. Moulton, as he put it. The latter, however, far
from being offended, became a warm friend and admirer, writing to him two years
later: "No book of yours that I have seen has failed to interest me greatly,
and certainly this is no exception. I sympathise deeply with your object."
He was referring to For His Name's Sake, incorporated later in
The Honour of His Name (" A Plea for Reverence "). Dr. Moulton went on,
however, to deprecate an expression "strange pedantry" used in connection with
two Revised renderings, pleading that the words implied not merely
inconsistency but falseness of motive. He then kindly explained at some length
the reasons which had decided the choice of the English renderings; referring
to the fact that a two-thirds majority was required for alterations to the
Authorised reading. The question was the translation "King Eternal" in I Tim.
i. 17, and " King of the Ages" in Rev. xv. 3.
Reference has been made in
Chapter III to the attacks upon my father in Parliament. One happy result was
the way friends rallied to him. One of them wrote in 1910 "My Dear Robert, - I
always say that if there is one man who is able to take care of himself it is
you ! At the same time, when offensive things are being said, it may be some
little satisfaction to you to know that old friends are as they were with
unshaken confidence. The sickening personalities of public life at the present
time must disgust all reasonable men.
Always yours affectionately,
LINDSAY TALBOT-CROSBIE.
And this came from Lady Tritton:
"I have been
thinking much of you during the storm that has been raging around you. I have
often prayed for you in my hours of quiet and leisure. I have a conviction that
God has a very special purpose of blessing in all this. I know you will forgive
me for saying so much, and accept the word of comfort I have been wishing to
send to one whose words have been a help and inspiration for many years."
The last letter recalls one from Lady Kinnaird at another time: "I think you
said yesterday on the doorstep that you had prayed for me lately by name; I
want to thank you particularly. I wish we had more of that personal ministry."
And this brings to remembrance an unusual appeal from Mrs. Sholto Douglas for
prayer-help:
"Mv DEAR FRIENDS BOTH, - We are coming to London to preach in
Portman Chapel for four Sundays, and I long with a great and growing longing
that our month may be a real mission among the rich. Old friends are coming to
hear Sholto, and may God fill him. I want your earnest prayers, I don't often
ask praying people for their prayers, because I know what a serious thing it is
to pray in earnest. And yet, as one sees miners converted every week, as we
have done all winter, thank God . . . and as one hears of work in Uganda,
China, amongst Esquimaux - everyone seems to be reached except the poor rich
people. Do, do pray, dear kind people, as you love souls; here are real heathen
to be reached."
Chapter Seven
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