):
"et Pangloss disait quelquefois a Candide; Tous les evenements sont
enchaines dans le meilleur des mondes possibles," etc.
Hodgson replies (September 18, 1811):
"Your last letter has unfeignedly grieved me. Believing, as I do from
my heart, that you would be better and happier by thoroughly examining
the evidences for Christianity, how can I hear you say you will not
read any book on the subject, without being pained? But God bless you
under all circumstances. I will say no more. Only do not talk of
'shocking my prejudices,' or of 'rushing to see me 'before' I am a
Deacon.' I wish to see you at all times; and as to our different
opinions, we can easily keep them to ourselves."
The next day he writes again:
"Let me make one other effort. You mentioned an opinion of Hume's
about miracles. For God's sake,--hear me, Byron, for God's
sake--examine Paley's answer to that opinion; examine the whole of
Paley's 'Evidences'. The two volumes may be read carefully in less
than a week. Let me for the last time by our friendship, implore you
to read them."]
* * * * *
185.--To John Murray. [1]
Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14, 1811.
Sir,--Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has
been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my
wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you did,
in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a proceeding.
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