The Star Hotel,
Blackfriars Bridge,
London S. E.
[May 1889]
My dear Mother,
We have received a kind and pressing invitation to stay at Mr. Hallam's, Sunderland, which we have accepted. We shall reach Sunderland on Wednesday evening, at 5-30, but as it would be late before we could get to Seaham, we shall remain at Mr. Hallam's that evening, and come on to Seaham in the morning after breakfast, and spend the day with you. I have to preach at Sunderland twice on Sunday, the 26th, and lecture on the Tuesday evening.
You need not be afraid that preaching will do me any harm. I am in splendid health, and as to the cold I think we shall bear it as well as the English people who have never been from home. Indeed, we are rather astonished to see the people in London going about in such thick clothes during this warm weather, and the close rooms with fires in them in some of our friends' houses here have put us into a fever heat which is not at all pleasant. Since Wednesday we have been staying at the Star Hotel, a quiet Temperance establishment, at which we are most comfortable. It is quiet, beautifully clean, and the food is splendidly cooked. You should see what grand appetites the children have since they came to England.
We are going out every day - we have visited The National Gallery - Niagara in London - Madame Tussaud's - St Paul's - Westminster Abbey - The Crystal Palace - have heard Dr. Dale, Dr. Parker, and Mr. Spurgeon preach - We go to-morrow, Sunday, in the morning to hear Dr. Parker again, then in the evening I preach in Surrey Chapel. After I finish this letter we are going to The Tower. We are making our own way to the most of the places. Atkinson was with us yesterday to Westminster. Kate & Annie are enjoying themselves. You should see how Annie gets over the crowded streets, & dodges the carts & carriages.
We are sorry to hear that you & Phebe have been so ill, but hope to find you improving when we arrive. With warmest affection from all.
I am your afft. Son,
John
P. S. You have got, I suppose, the
P. O. O. I sent before leaving Adelaide. JW
10 Lorne Street
Chester
July 22/ 89
My dear Mother,
We arrived at Chester last Monday, and are very favourably impressed with the character of our people and cause in the city. The congregations are large, and the people intelligent & kind. The chapel is a very fine one, with excellent school and class rooms. We have a very good house, in a pleasant street, and well furnished with all necessaries. The city is a very curious old place. There is a capital walk on the walls right round the city. The shops are excellent, containing a varied assortment of goods of different kinds, though through the peculiar construction of the streets they do not show much in front. A great part of Chester - the new part - is, however, outside the city walls. I think we shall like the place very much. Ellie and I were out to tea last Friday, and the whole of us are going out to-day.
Our visit to Weardale was very pleasant to us. We all had a spell of haymaking on the first Saturday. Ellie was working nearly the whole day. We had large congregations on the Sunday, the place being packed in the evening, a great many of my old Wesleyan friends were there. Thomas Watson, Blacksmith, asked kindly after you, as did everybody else, and after Phebe. He said that if you could visit Weardale he would be glad to entertain you. Some of them thought you and Phebe would have more people to call upon you if you lived in the Dale than you have at Seaham. I saw Joshua Fairless. He looks well though he is nearly 81 years of age, and Betty Watson, of Hill, is 85 years of age. She is Joshua's sister, I believe.
I had a splendid congregation to hear me lecture at Westgate. Altogether, my reception was of a most flattering character. Ellie & the girls were also made a great deal of. We walked to Lanehead and had tea at Fanny Pearts'. Ellie and I had tea at my Cousin Thomas Watson's, Riggs, one day. The children were engaged that day elsewhere. He and his sister Jane Gibson live together. They were glad to see us. At Westgate Ellie & I stayed at M. G. Race's[?] and the children at Mrs. Moore's. On the day we were ready to come away the coach was so full that there was no room for us. They found me a place at last, but Ellie & the girls had to stay until next morning, when they came on to me at Darlington.
We had a pleasant time at Darlington. Ellie & I stayed with Mr. Mc.Kechnie. He is very lively & active and his wife is in good health. They live in a beautiful house, facing a small park. Mrs. Philips & family & Mrs. Turner live a few doors from them. The girls stayed with Mrs. Philips. They enjoyed the company of Mr. Philips' daughter, and Mrs. Turner made quite a pet of Annie. The chapel here is a very large one, and we had good congregations. Both the Weardale people and those at Darlington said they would like to have had us to travel among them, if it could have been brought about. The Mc.Kechnies & Philipses asked kindly after you both.
I forgot to say that they have built a large minister's house at Westgate. It is, I judge, one of the largest and best finished in the Connexion. It is built near to where Joseph Kidd lived at Kitty Crag.
You received the Rocking Chair which I sent you safely, I hope. Ellie thought that you would like a chair of that sort.
Kate will be writing to you shortly and will give you more details of our journeys & about Chester than I have given.
With warmest affection to yourself and Phebe, in which we all join.
I am your affectionate Son
John
Parish of Stanhope
10. Lorne Street,
Chester
March 12/ 90.
My dear Mother,
Enclosed is a P. O. O. for £8.
I trust you and Phebe are keeping well, now when the Influenza is so prevalent. Ellie has had during the last week an attack of this Russian Influenza. She was quite prostrate for a few days, and kept her bed-room. But she has get down stairs again, and is coming about nicely. Annie had an attack a few weeks ago. Kate and I have escaped so far. Kate has had the burden of cooking and household work upon her for several days, besides having Mr. Lewins staying with us since Saturday, but she manages splendidly.
Kate has had a long letter from Stella this morning, which is full of interest. Stella is going into the Adelaide University for three years, in order to take a Bachelor of Science degree. Dr. Sterling, the Professor in Physiology, wanted her to study for a doctor, and said, if she did not, she would miss her vocation. But Mrs. Howchin is opposed to it. Stella seems terribly disappointed. Her way may, however, open yet. She longs to have Kate back again.
I have just had a pressing invitation to preach at Hartlepool in November Chapel Sermons, but I am very sorry I cannot comply. I am more than fully engaged for special work up to the end of April, 1891. Day after day I have to refuse applications from various places. I might never be at home - In the North this next year I have:- Cullercoats, Saltburn, Wearhead, Stockton, and Gateshead - and in these parts Stockport, Tunstall, Leeds, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Scarbro', and Helmshore.
Gilmore is still immensely popular in South Australia. I have had a letter from him. He says they are beginning to like the country very well, though for a time they had longings for the flesh-pots. He hopes to get a peep of the old country again. Speaking of my work in S. Australia, he says: "You have left a good savour in this country, and everyone speaks highly of the work you did." Well, that is satisfactory.
With love from all to both of you,
I am, dear Mother, Your affte. Son,
John
Stockton-on-Tees
October 5th - 91.
My dear Mother,
I have asked the advice of a friend about the disposing of money held as yours is in a Coöperative Store. The best way is to transfer it either to Phebe's name or mine, or to both our names, as you think best. This would save a great deal of trouble and expense. My friend says there would be trouble and cost in proving a will and in payment of fees upon it. It would be a pity to waste any money in this way. The Coöperative Store will have some provision for making such a transfer, but it would be well to make enquiry at once, and have it done. You can arrange it in any way you think proper. But you had better get the thing off your mind. It will be all right with me, however you do it. But I do not want any bother with lawyers or a will. Let Phebe make enquiry about it at once. If you do not settle it, it will cause us trouble and loss afterwards.
I trust you are no worse than when I left you. I am in very good health.
I may give you one piece of information. Kate and our young minister have made an engagement. He spoke to me about it before I left home, and now I hear that the match is made. My wife and I highly approve of it. He is a highly honourable and promising young man.
With the warmest love to you and Phebe.
I am yours affectionately,
John
10, Lorne Street,
Chester
October 20th/91.
My dear Mother,
Your note came this morning. I am glad you have made an arrangement about your money. When I come I will arrange what I wrote about yesterday.
I am sorry to hear that you and Phebe have been so poorly. It would be a great satisfaction to me if you would ask the doctor to call again. And I should like the minister, Mr. Buttrick, to call to see you. It is a trouble to me that you are not visited in this way by the doctor and minister, but especially the latter. I know that you do not look to any man for salvation & eternal life, but to Jesus Christ, who is always near to listen to our prayers; but He makes use of human means to convey comfort to His people. You have nothing to do but rest in Jesus Christ, as far as the eternal future is concerned, but I would like you to have some encouragement from some servant of His.
If it were agreeable to you, I would write to Mr. Buttrick to ask him to visit you. He would be glad to do so. Phebe need not mind about the house. It is as nothing compared with your interests.
A report has got abroad that Gilmore was dead, which you may see in the Christian World to-day, but it is not correct. The latest intelligence is that his medical attendant is "very hopeful". The report arose from a Cablegram which came about three weeks ago, saying, he 'was dying'. It was told to me at a Public Mtg. in a whisper, and I took it to mean 'he died'. And mentioning it in our pulpit, it was sent off by someone to the P. M. World - I have written a letter to correct the report.
With Warmest love from all to you and Phebe --
I am your Affte. Son.
John
P. S. I enclose a Card, so that if
you are worse and needing me to come, Phebe may pencil on it the
request. She need not even sign her name to it. I will understand
it. J.W.
10 Lorne Street,
Chester
April 29th. 1892.
My dear Mother,
I had a newspaper from Stephen last week. I judge therefore that he must have recovered from his affliction. I was in London for two or three days last week. It is always a pleasure to me to visit the great city. One evening after our Committee meeting Mr. Atkinson and I went to see a splendid representation of Jerusalem & the crucifixion of the Saviour and then to see one of Venice in London. In the last there were gondolas plying through the canals, and in the entertainment at the end there were hundreds of performers.
I was also at the College Com. meeting in Manchester. The college is to be made twice as large as it is, in order to hold Sixty students. We shall go there a year next July, as far as we can see. Ellie will have plenty to do in looking after the young men and the servants, and I in assisting to teach the students. My nomination has been well received by the Connexion. I trust I may be able to justify the trust reposed in me. Mr. Peake was at Manchester. He seems a good young fellow, with whom I shall be able to work very happily.
I am going to Oxford in July. There is to be for twelve days a "Summer School of Theology", in connection with which about 40 lectures will be given by some of the most eminent professors of the day. Some hundreds of ministers of various denominations are going - Twenty five of our ministers. I was trying to go, when I got a letter from Mr. Hartley, who offered to pay for my ticket for the lectures and dinner in the hall, which will cost £2-10-0, and the Railway fare one way. I pay the other half and for my lodgings. Mr. Hartley is doing the same for all the twenty-five. Life in Oxford & the lectures & association with other ministers, if only for 12 days will do me, I hope a great amount of good.
I am very, very busy. Every day I seem to rise to a lot of work. I have Friendly Society work; I am writing articles for the Ambassadors[?] Magazine; besides my circuit and connexional work. But I keep in good health. Kate & Mr. Eccles help me a good deal with my writing, or I do not know how I would do. I trust I may soon be able to arrange a visit to the north.
I was glad to hear about you from Mr. Buttrick. He is very kind to write. It must be wearisome for you to lie day after day, but I am glad to hear you are kept in quietness and peace in the Saviour.
We have lost a great many of our members this year, and to-day I buried a good old lady, though she is young - 69 - compared to you. I visit an old lady, who like you is confined to her bed. She is very peaceful. But is in her 96 year - so you are young compared with her.
We send you a P. M. newspaper, from which you will see how Mr. Eccles has done in his exam, & something about me.
Warmest love to you & Phebe - Kate is going to write.
I am your affte. Son
John
Mansfield College
Oxford
July 19th. 1892
My dear Mother,
Here I am a student at Oxford. This is what I never anticipated once. It is a very delightful life for me. I am enjoying lectures, but have no terrors of examination before me. Our day's course is as follows:
We meet in Mansfield College Chapel at 9 a. m. for a short devotional service. Then there follow three lectures of an hour each. We had this morning "The Teaching of Jesus" by Marcus Dodd; "Spiritual Perception, an Evidence of the Reality of Spiritual Religion", by Professor Case; and then "The Historical Books of Scripture, Their Structure" by Professor Brown, of New York. We then go home to lunch, having got enough for mental food.
Now I am back writing in the Library of Mansfield, where we are furnished with writing materials. In about half-an-hour hence, we go for another lecture at "Balliol College". Then to-night there is a Conference on "The Church and Social Economics". At 7 o'clock we dine in Hall. We are distributed to the halls of different colleges. I am billeted at "Exeter" college. Last evening we had a very excellent dinner, of several courses. We get the lectures, &c, and dinner for 12 days for £2-10-0. This Mr. Hartley is paying for 27 of us. He pays besides our Railway fare one way. The cost to myself will probably be £3-10-0 for lodgings, board, & the railway fare, I may do it for £3. This experience, in view of my work at Manchester, is invaluable. I get to see how the Professors do their work. My lodgings are very comfortable.
When I left home yesterday morning we had two young ladies who are staying at our house for a week or two, as visitors - Miss Paven[?], of Leeds, and Miss Marsland, of Oldham. Mr. Eccles left for his new circuit more than a week ago. Our new minister has just come. He seems a nice young fellow.
I left all in good health, as I am myself. Remember me to Mr. Buttnick and his good wife. My love to you & Phebe.
I am, dear mother,
Your ever affte.Son,
John
10 Lorne St.
Chester
Oct 16 /92.
My dear Mother,
I have not much to say to you except that we are all in good health. We have had fearfully wet weather in this part of the world; you will, I dare say, have had the same sort as we have. I was at Kendal the other week in Mr. Atkinson's circuit, and enjoyed the change
This is Sunday morning. I am taking holiday, as I am getting a new set of teeth, and cannot speak comfortably until I get the work done. My old plates did not fit, and I was under the necessity of having something done. I shall be much more comfortable and in better health when I get a new outfit. The cost will be about Six or eight guineas
I expect to be in the north at the beginning of next month. I shall come in to Seaham, if I can possibly arrange it. I shall let you know as the time gets nearer. Mr. Buttrick has kindly invited me to stay again at his house if I come.
Annie & her mother are at Chapel. Kate is staying in bed this forenoon. She has, I think, overworked herself during the week in cleaning. But she will probably get out to the Service this evening.
I had a letter from Adelaide last week. Mr. Thompson is drawing large congregations, and is well liked.
I trust you are being kept in perfect peace through trusting in Christ. He is always present with us, and when He is revealed to us by the Holy Ghost, His presence makes up for the lack of all outward means. It is a blessed state when all anxiety and doubt are driven out of the soul, and when it can "trust, fully trust in Jesus Christ".
At Nottingham we had a very rich experience while we sang together: --
"All I have I give to Jesus,
All my body and my soul,
All I have, and all I hope for,
While eternal ages roll"
I am trusting, fully trusting,
Sweetly trusting in his word."
And I have felt since, that I could in this way give myself to Christ who loved me, and gave Himself for me.
May the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, impart to you the fullness of Christ's peace !
Ellie and the girls join me in love to you & Phebe.
I am your affte Son,
John