’One thing I do think, that the being conversant only with thoughtful educated Christians may result in a person ignoring the simpler idea of the Eucharist which does not in the least divest it of its mysterious character, but rather, recognising the mystery, seeks for no solution of it.  How can I teach my fifteen Melanesian Communicants the points which I suppose an advanced Ritualist would regard as most essential?  But I can give them the actual words of some of the ancient, really ancient, Liturgies, and teach them what Christ said, and St. Paul said, and the Church of England says, and bid them acquiesce in the mystery.

’Yet I would fain know more.  I quite long for a talk with Mr. Keble.  Predisposed on every account to think that he must be right, I am not sure that I know what he held to be the truth, nor am I quite sure that I would see it without much explanation; but to these holy men so much is revealed that one has no right to expect to know.  What he held was in him at all events combined with all that a man may have of humility, and learning, and eagerness for union with God.’

This letter was sent with these:—­

’Norfolk Island:  December 16, 1867.

’My dear Mr. Atkin,—­The “Pacific” arrived on Friday after a quick passage.  All our things came safely.  She leaves to-morrow for Sydney, and we are in a great hurry.  For (1) we have three mails all at once, and I have my full share of letters, public and private; and (2) we have had last week our first fall of rain for some three and a half months, and we are doing our best to plant kumaras, &c., which grow here wonderfully, if only they get anything like a fair chance.

’Joe as usual is foremost at all work; fencing, well-sinking, &c.  And he proves the truth of the old saying, that “the head does not suffer by the work of the hand.”  His knowledge of Scripture truth, of what I may fairly call the beginning of theological studies, gives me great comfort.  I am quite sure that in all essentials, in all which by God’s blessing tends to qualify a man for teaching faithfully, and with sufficient learning and knowledge of the Word of God, he is above the average of candidates for ordination in England.

’I don’t say that he would pass the kind of examination before an English Bishop so well as a great many—­they insist a good deal on technical points of historical knowledge, &c.—­but in all things really essential—­in his clear perception of the unity of the teaching of the Bible; in his knowledge of the Greek Testament, in his reading with me the Articles, Prayer Book, &c., I am convinced that he is well fitted to do his work well and truly.  We have had more than one talk on deeper matters still, on inward feelings and thoughts, on prayer and the devotional study of God’s Word, and divinity in general.  I feel the greatest possible thankfulness and happiness as I think of his ordination, and of what, by the grace of God, he may become to very many both heathens and Christians, if his life be spared.