’I write at this time because I think you may possibly be soon beginning your first Ordination Service in your Cathedral.  It was almost my first thought when I began to think quietly after our 8 P.M. prayers.  And I pray for those whom you may be leading to their work, as so often you have laid your hands on me.  I understand Bishop Andrewes’ [Greek text] now.

’What it must have been to you and still is!...

’This move to Norfolk Island does make a great difference, no doubt.  And full well I know that your prayers will be around us; and that you will do all that mortal man can do for us and for the islands.  Indeed, you must not trouble yourself about me too much.  I shall often need you, often sadly miss you, a just return for having undervalued the blessing of your presence.  But I do feel that it is right.  I humbly pray and trust that God’s blessing may be on us all, and that a portion of your spirit may be with us.

’More than ever affectionately yours,

‘J.  C. Patteson.’

The tidings had come simultaneously with the history of the Consecration of All Saints, Babbicombe, for indeed the Bishop and Mrs. Selwyn were staying with Joanna and Fanny Patteson for the Octave Services when the first offer arrived.  So that the two mails whose contents were transported together to Norfolk Island contained matter almost overwhelming for the brother and friend, and he had only one day in which to write his answers.  To the sisters the assurance is, ‘Only be quite comforted about me!’ and then again, ’No, I don’t grudge him one bit.  There is no room for small personal considerations when these great issues are at stake.’

’I don’t think I quite know yet what it is to me.  I can’t look at his photograph with quite dry eyes yet.  But I don’t feel at all sad or unhappy.  You know the separation, if God, in His mercy, spare me at last, can’t be long; and his prayers are always around us, and he is with us in spirit continually, and then it will be such joy and delight to me to watch his work.

’I think with such thankfulness of the last Holy Week; the last Easter Sunday spent wholly with him.  I think too, and that sadly enough, of having pained him sometimes by being self-willed, and doing just what he has not done, viz., chosen for myself when I ought to have followed him.

’Do you remember when, on the morning of Mamma’s death, we came into the study where Uncle and Aunt Frank were, and our dear Father in his great faith and resignation said, with broken voice, “I thank God, who spared her to me so long”?  Surely I may with far greater ease say, “I thank God for the blessing for now thirteen, years of his example and loving care of me.”  Had he been taken away by death we must have borne it, and we can bear this now by His grace.’