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3 Temple Gardens E.C
Dec: 19: 1900
My dear old Mother
The news in your letter of yesterday caused me great grief. The world is the poorer for the loss of a very fine Christian old man. I wrote at once to Mrs Philip, but there is little to be said. He had a long and, I suppose, a very happy life, and he would get an 'abundant entrance' , for if ever there was a Saint it was he. I do hope the Church and you will
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not suffer seriously, though of course it will make some difference. I can't but believe that he must have made some provision. I am distressed to hear about the general bad health of the family. When I come home I always find you all robust, but when I am away you always seem to be the prey of numerous diseases. I hope my worthy father will soon be better. Seriously, I will be very unhappy if I come home & find you in that dreary complaining temper which exaggerates little things.
I fear I cannot get away till Monday, but that day is certain, & I
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will make a point of being a Sabbath in Glasgow. I wish you would let me know definitely what you mean about clothes. All my clothes are in use in a sort of rotation. I have not got a new morning-suit, but I daresay I could spare something if I knew what you wanted it for. I am sorry if my lecture is to be badly attended, but that is a small affair. This is the first day of my exam. We have got completely flitted & my new rooms are very nice. Maud & Aunt are coming to tea on Friday, & Canon Ainger tomorrow. I had a nice dinner at the Aingers on Monday & last night I was at
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Arnold Ward's farewell dinner. He goes off tomorrow to India for a year, & I don't think it is wise. I had a letter from Spitelhaugh yesterday asking me to stay more than one night; they have got some sort of children's play there on New Year's Eve. I hope my walk with Anna will come off all right. Poor John Edgar has lost his fellowship.
Tell me if I can bring anything, & do try to be a little braver
Your affectionate son
John
