[357]To Rev. John Chadwick.
SHEFFIELD, Feb. 26, 1882.
MY DEAR CHADWICK,--When Mary wrote to you, expressing the feelings
of us all concerning the Memorial Sermon,' I thought it unnecessary
to write myself, especially as I could but so poorly say what I
wanted to say. But I feel that I must tell you what satisfaction it
gave me,--more than I have elsewhere seen or expect to see. I feel,
for myself, that I most mourn the loss of the holy fidelity of his
friendship. All speak rightly of his incessant activity in every good
work, and I knew much of what he did to build up a grand School of
Theology at Cleveland.
You ask what is my outlook from the summit of my years. This reminds
me of that wonderful burst of his eloquence, at the formation of our
National Conference, against the admission to it, by Constitution, of
the extremest Radicalism. I wanted to get up and shortly reply,--"You
may say what you will, but I tell you that the movement of this body
for twenty years to come will be in the Radical direction." In fact, I
find it to be so in myself. I rely more upon my own thought and reason,
my own mind and being, for my convictions than upon anything else.
Again warmly thanking you for your grand sermon, [on Dr. Bellows] I am,
Affectionately yours,