Correspondence EEAP to DFMB 1931-2
Preliminary
**********
[The following draft is addressed, by his initials, to W.J. Hocking, a senior and respected figure in the Brethren and
well known to Father and Mother.]
W.J.H. 17/11/31
During the weekend I have been wondering a good deal whether, in view of the nature of the matter concerned, it
would not be better if I could see you for half an hour or so somewhere in London. And as I think it over, I seem to
feel that perhaps you might prefer that I should not make a special journey to Danbury for the purpose.
After the conversation we had when I saw you at Danbury last September, you may possibly be surprised to hear that I
am seriously thinking of getting married in the near future if the Lord opens the way. It is not exactly that I have
at the moment absolutely abandoned the idea of keeping myself free for the Lord's service in a special way, but the
more I think it over from every point of view, the more unlikely it seems to me that that is going to be the Lord's
pathway for me. And the entire absence, so far as I am conscious, of any positive indication from the Lord in that
direction leaves me with a growing conviction that the right thing for me is to take the normal course.
It is several years since the thought of the Lord's service first came into my mind, and during the last 18 months
the exercise has been a constant one. My only fear is lest I may be shrinking from what is unquestionably a lonely
and difficult, though I feel sure a very blessed, pathway, through lack of devotedness to the Lord. But I cannot feel
that the Lord would permit me to fail in this respect without giving me some definite warning that this is what I am in
fact doing. I can truthfully say before the Lord now that I am still ready to sacrifice all prospect of a settled
home and the comforts of married life for His service if only He will give me a clear indication that such a pathway is
His will for me. And I desire to remain willing to do this until such time as the way is finally closed up. That,
at least, is how I feel I must leave the matter for the present.
When we spoke together in September, I hope I did not mislead you at all as to the stage my exercises had reached.
But I was interested and thankful to know what you felt were the points to be weighed in considering such a matter.
Since then I have gone over the whole matter again and have pondered very carefully the points you mentioned as well as
others that have occurred to me.
Now as my exercises have strengthened in favour of what I feel to be the normal pathway, I have naturally been
thinking, and praying for guidance, as to the one whom the Lord would have to be my partner. And the one I have in
mind is Miss Doris Baker. We have known the family from our youth, and from a human stand-point the way would seem
clear. I feel drawn to her, and I have no reason to believe that she is at all averse to me.
i
The great question with me has been that I knew so little as to her condition and outlook spiritually. For that
reason, before going to Danbury in September, I particularly prayed that the Lord would make opportunities for us to
talk together so that I could find out a little more about her. Happily the way did open, and so far as I could see
she seemed quite responsive in the things of the Lord. Then during the week after my return home, a little incident,
entirely beyond my control because I was completely at rest as to exercises I had had in another direction. It was an
occurrence without any special meaning to anyone else, and if I were to explain all the circumstances it would appear
trivial, but it dovetailed so exactly into my exercises that I have felt ever since it furnished a complete answer to
the question in my own mind at the time.
Any suggestion of doubt would I suppose seem rather superfluous to anyone believing in love at first sight. But I
have learned by painful experience the necessity of proceeding cautiously.
Now to come to the point. I wanted to venture to ask you two things, if I might do so without taking too great an
advantage of the offer you so kindly made in September to help me in any way you could. And if you feel you can give
me your advice on these two points, I give you my unqualified undertaking to treat what you say in the strictest
confidence, and not to allow it to go beyond my own mother and brother. It is for this reason that I feel you might
prefer I should not make a special visit to Danbury.
The two points are these. Firstly, knowing Doris Baker as you do, would you tell me what you think as to her
character, temperament and spirituality? And secondly, knowing us both, would you tell me whether you see any reason
why she and I would not be likely to get on well together or be one in the things of the Lord.
Perhaps I ought to say here that mother and Fred are both quite happy as to Doris Baker if she is my choice, though
mother feels she does not know her as well as she would like to do. And so for mother's sake as well as my own I
should value the opinion of some disinterested person who has had greater opportunity of observing her than we have.
Both mother and Fred have seen this letter and approve of my writing to you about the matter.
It seems almost more than I ought to do to bother you with a personal question of this nature. But your exceeding
kindness in the past emboldens me to do so.
I have long realised how easily one may go astray through not having the counsel of an earthly father, and in a
matter of such vital importance to the future happiness of both Doris Baker and myself as this is, I feel I ought to
take what steps I can to obtain the opinion of someone in a position to give me fatherly advice.
Please do not think I wish or expect a written answer to this letter. My sole object in writing is to make clear
the question that is in my mind so as to save time and not to weary you with lengthy explanations when we meet. As
you mentioned the possibility of seeing me on Friday evening before the meeting, I could leave my office at 68
Bishopsgate at 5.30 p.m. and be at the Y.M.C.A. by a quarter to six. Then, if I arrange with Fred to do the
preliminaries of the meeting, there would be half an hour or so for a quiet talk somewhere close to hand. But I leave
the whole matter with you and will suit myself entirely to your arrangements.
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**********
[The following is a draft.]
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 24th. November 1931
Dear Mr. Baker,
Would it be possible for me to see you privately for an hour or so next Saturday afternoon? If I could meet you in
Chelmsford, I would travel down from Lpool St by the 1.30 p.m. train which arrives at 2.16 p.m., or if that is too
early for you, by any later train to suit your convenience.
If by any remote chance you should be coming up to the Y.B.M. at Pembroke Hall, I would suggest our meeting at
Liverpool St any time you like after 12 o'clock and having lunch together.
Yours affectionately in the Lord,
Ernest
**********
Pantiles,
Danbury,
Chelmsford. 26.11.31
Dear Ernest,
Thank you for your note. I will (DV) come up to the Y.B.M. on Saturday, travelling by the train reaching Lpool St
2.4. I shall have had my midday meal, so if you would like to have yours we shall both be free.
Yours affectionately in the Lord,
F. Baker
P.S. I hope this is early enough for you, if not I could catch the 11.57 - 12.40 Lpl St.
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72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 1st. December, 1931
Dear Miss Baker,
Ever since the very happy conversations we had during my short stay at your home last September, I have felt I
should like to write and tell you how much I appreciated the kind interest you showed in the things we spoke of
together, which, you will remember, were the things of the Lord. My only regret, on reflection, was that I had spoken
so much about my own exercises of soul when I might have been showing you how keen my interest was in yours.
No doubt the matters we spoke of, and others we could have mentioned had there been more time, have been the subject
of the prayers of us both ever since. So I feel encouraged by your kindness and sympathy to venture to communicate to
you a little more of what has been the main burden of my thoughts for some time past.
I believe I told you of my great longing years ago to become a missionary in China. The need of heathen millions
for the glorious gospel, which, through God's infinite mercy, we have both been brought to know and enjoy, impressed
both Fred and myself very greatly. For a long time we prayed and talked about it together. There was, however, our
God-given responsibility to care for mother, and we could not overlook it. So the matter ended by our agreeing that
if either of us felt called to go, the other should stay at home to bear the whole of that responsibility.
I remember my own deep exercise at the time when the possibilities seemed to be so great with all life before me.
I earnestly longed to go to China in connection with the China Inland Mission. I yielded myself and all that I had to
the Lord for his disposal absolutely, and should have counted it a happy and holy privilege to go had the Lord made the
way clear. But it was not to be. Still the Lord knew I was willing. And in looking back over it all I can see no
reason to believe that I made any mistake in remaining at home. In any case the opportunity has no doubt passed by
now.
Soon after that I was deeply impressed in another direction by an address of Mr. Cox on 2 Cor. vi, when he spoke of
the low condition of things in the meetings at home, and appealed for young bothers to devote themselves to service
among the Lord's people. It was in 1924 I think. And in this matter again I yielded myself to the Lord for that
work absolutely and entirely, and I have prayed for years that He would make His will clear. I love the saints, and
have an intense longing to help them. But the Lord has given me no indication that He would have me take the abnormal
course of keeping myself free from all earthly ties so as to be able to devote myself entirely to special service of
that kind. Though exceedingly blessed, such a pathway would of course be lonely and difficult, calling for the
sacrifice of all prospect of a settled home down here and the comforts of married life. And for this reason I cannot
feel that Lord would call one to it without giving an indication of His will so clear and unmistakable that I could
have no possible doubt as to it ever after.
The Lord knows I have not wished to shrink from it through lack of devotedness to Him. But the fact I am faced
with is that, so far as I am conscious, He has given no positive indication that such a path is His will for me. So I
feel I must leave the matter at that, and still remain willing, should He call, until the way is finally closed up.
1
One might be tempted to wonder why one has been permitted to pass through all this deep exercise of soul without
anything definite appearing to result. The reason is of course known to God. God commended David for having it in
his heart to build him a temple, though the work itself was reserved for other hands to carry out - 1 Kings viii.
18-19. No doubt when we review our lives from the judgment seat of Christ we shall see all then. I can, however,
say this. I would not have been without it for anything. The exercises have enriched my own soul spiritually. I
have been drawn nearer to God. And I believe I may yet learn during my lifetime down here, if the Lord tarry, the
real meaning of it all.
Of one thing I am sure. There comes at some time or other in each of our lives a moment when the Lord brings us
to the point where, in the light of all he did for us in His death at Calvary, we surrender all that we have and are,
and all our prospects, too, to Him. It is not always that we have in point of fact to make the supreme sacrifice.
But in his desire to prove our love, which He is entitled to do, He shows us something of what His will does sometimes
mean for those who follow Him, some of the glorious possibilities in His service, and He constrains us by His love to
consecrate ourselves to Him for whichever line of service he directs.
This is not, however, in any sense meant to be an exhortation to you, for I feel sure you know something of the deep
and sacred experiences yourself. But I do feel that this attitude of soul - the willingness to make the supreme
sacrifice for His sake - should mark us to the end. In any case we can never go back upon these transactions between
our souls and the Lord. I can never forget the day when I solemnly consecrated myself to the Lord for His service.
The fact that He does not appear to have marked out any very definite line of things for me yet does not mean that He
has no accepted me. And so long as life lasts I must hold myself and all that I have at His disposal absolutely and
unreservedly.
The apparent closing - or, ought I to say, not opening - of these doors, however, I can only take to mean that God's
pathway for me lies in another direction. Had I found a suitable fellow for a chum, a fellow with a similar outlook
and ambitions spiritually, things might have been different. We might have gone out together before this, for I do
not believe the Lord usually sends His servants singly. The Lord sent the disciples out two by two. And in Acts we
read of Peter and John, Paul and Barnabas or Paul and Silas. But there again, though I have earnestly prayed and
longed for a heart with which to share my feelings - for I have felt intensely lonely at times - the Lord has never, so
far as I am aware, brought the right fellow across my pathway..
But there, one cannot always be looking back. We must press forward and find the path for the future. May the
Lord keep me willing to the end to make whatever sacrifice He requires of me for His sake. I leave the matter at that.
Whatever the future holds, I feel at the moment I ought not to make any plans for the future until I find the
partner the Lord has for me; not, I mean, another brother in the Lord, but a beginning, "It is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make him an helpmeet for him" (Gen.ii.18); and that Solomon referred to when he said,
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord" (Prov. xviii.22.). And you will not
therefore be surprised to hear that I have been praying about this matter very earnestly for some time. I don't know
exactly how it is, but I have a sort of feeling that you may have been praying too.
2
Well, Doris, I feel the moment has come when I ought to let you know that I have a growing conviction that you are the
one whom the Lord is going to favour me with. It would be impossible for me to express in words all the reasons that
lead me to think so. But one reason is sufficient - that I love you, and my love increases each time I think of you.
And the more I think of you, and the more I know of you, the more interested I feel in your life and welfare.
But that is only my side. May I venture to ask whether you have reason to believe the Lord is drawing us together?
That is really why I have told you some of the secrets of my own soul's history, so that you may know the things
which are nearest my own heart, and tell me what you feel.
What I have said will I think leave you with no doubt as to my own ambition in life. Quite apart from the question
of duty to the Lord, I can honestly say that the Lord and His interests are the things in life that I value above all
else. They are the things I live for. And unless we could enjoy the fullest and sweetest communion in these,
neither of us would be truly happy. I am sure you will readily agree with me as to that.
Perhaps, however, I have emphasized this side of things to such an extent that you will begin to wonder whether I am
forgetting that are still on earth. I assure you I am not. The setting up of a new home with its sacred
responsibilities is no light matter, and it will not surprise me to hear that you have many cherished hopes in this
respect. Besides, the idea of a home, ordered in the fear of God, sanctified by love, brightened, beautified and
enriched by the presence of little ones, is the thought of God for his creatures. How much more so for us who are His
children? And I hold most tenaciously that a man's first responsibility is to his home and family. I cannot bring
myself to believe that a man is really serving the Lord, even though he be preaching to sinners or ministering to the
saints, if his own home is running to ruin through his neglect of it.
At the same time we have to avoid the other danger of settling down to enjoy things as the world does, forgetting
that the Lord has called us to follow in His footsteps, remembering that heaven is our real home, and to share His
compassions for those who are lost and for the sheep of his flock.
As to business, I am glad to say that, so far, I have been able to keep my appointment with the Hudson's Bay
Company, and I have confidence in the Lord that He will overrule in the matter if it is His will for me to continue
there. But I ought to tell you this - though I think you know it already - that the Company's main operations are in
Canada, and they might at any time transfer me to Canada, probably to Winnipeg. It would then be a question of going
to live out there or resigning my appointment and looking for something else. At the moment I cannot see what will
happen, and have not the slightest idea of what he's in store for me. The days are, as you know, exceedingly
difficulty from a business point of view, but if one door is closed the Lord can open another. All that is in the
Lord's hands. I will just add this. If I retain my present appointment I feel sure I can satisfy you, and your
father too, that I am in a position to provide a comfortable home for you.
Well! I cannot think of anything else I ought to say to you. I am one of those who have had to learn a great
deal in the path of hard experience. I can enter very fully into Simon Peter's feelings in John xxi.17. I feel
sometimes like a piece of broken earthenware. And I never think of you now without feeling that you deserve the best
- someone altogether more worthy of your love than I am. But if you can find it in your heart to have me as I am,
with
3
all my imperfections and shortcomings, it will be but another proof that you share the gracious spirit of Peter's Lord
and Master. One thing is certain: if the Lord means us to be companions for life, neither of us will ever be all
that we might be and wish to be until the Lord's grace we bring out and develop the best we see and still find in one
another.
May I then ask you to consider and pray over this matter very carefully. I shall continue to do so very earnestly.
I shall of course be longing to know how you feel about it, but do not, I beg of you, allow any kindly consideration
for myself to hurry you into replying in a matter such as this on which the lifelong happiness of us both depends,
until you feel you have the Lord's approval of the decision you make. So may we take no step which shall not be for
the glory of God and for the most perfect good of one another.
If you feel it would be nice for us to have further conversation for any reason, I am free any Saturday afternoon
except the coming one, and expect to be free all day on Saturday the 12th. December, and I will therefore leave it
entirely to you to say when and where you would like us to meet.
Believe me to remain,
ever yours most sincerely,
Ernest
P.S. As I shall be anxious to know that you have received this letter safely, perhaps you would be good enough to pop
the enclosed envelope in the post.
[This must, of course, be the letter that Mother in later life recalled as making her "furious". For her reaction as
recorded a year later, see her letter of 30.11.32. She consulted her father about how to reply.]
[Mother's answer was sent in the self-addressed envelope Father had provided]
Pantiles,
Danbury,
Chelmsford. December 4th 1931
Dear Ernest,
Thankyou for your letter which came this morning.
I hope to answer it a little later on when I have had time to think it over. - my Theory exam that I was telling you
about is tomorrow week (12th) and you will understand that I am rather occupied with this just now as it is the
culmination of 12 months study. Thankyou very much for writing so fully.
Yours very sincerely,
Doris
4
[There are two copies of Mother's next reply: the letter sent and a pencilled, rough copy with several crossings out -
so she appears to have thought carefully about what to say.]
Pantiles,
Danbury. December 9th 1931
Dear Ernest,
As you may guess ever since I received your letter you have been continually in my thoughts - entering them suddenly
when I have supposed to have been concentrating hard at my exam work.
I think it would be best to meet - as you say - and have a talk together - my exam ends at 1 o'clock on Saturday and
then we have to come home from Colchester (where I'm taking it) as if you could come to Chelmsford on a train arriving
some time after 3.30 I would be there to meet you in the car and we could drive out to some quiet place and have some
tea & talk. I really meant to wait until after the exam, then see you but every Saturday seems booked up until after
Xmas, and it seems so long to wait until then.
Yours sincerely,
Doris
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 10th. December 1931
Dear Doris,
Little did I think when I left home this morning - as usual, before the postman reaches us - that a letter from you
was on the way. So you can imagine what a pleasant surprise it gave me when I arrived home at 7.40 p.m., an hour later
than usual. I should have stopped to reply to it there and then in order to catch the evening post, but Mr. W.J.
Hocking was due to speak at Enfield at 8 p.m. and I was very anxious to hear him. So I have just come back, as might
be expected, full up. He gave us a wonderful word on the 19th. of Numbers.
It is very kind of you to suggest our meeting on Saturday at Chelmsford. I shall be very pleased to fall in with
the arrangement you suggest. I have not got a current time table here, but according to the old one there is no train
between that arriving at 3.3. p.m. and the fast train getting to Chelmsford at 3.56 p.m. So I think, in order not to
rush you too much, I will come down by the fast train from Liverpool Street at 3.15 p.m., arriving just before 4 p.m.
It will, I am sure, be nice for us to have a quiet talk together. I shall look forward to it, and pray about it, very
much.
I shall think of you a good deal on Saturday, and wish you every possible success. Should you fail you must blame
it all on to my ill-timed letter. Still we are not going to think of failure. May our gracious Father help you to
concentrate your mind and forget everything else till it is over.
I am going to post this letter now so that it goes out with the early morning collection. But in order to let you
know as soon as possible I will send you a telegram in the morning.
Ever yours most sincerely,
Ernest
5
Telegram dated 11 DE 31 Time handed in 11-17
Miss Doris Baker Pantiles
Danbury Nr Chelmsford
Agree your arrangements for Saturday letter in post
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 13th. December 1931
Dear Doris,
My journey home last evening afforded me an opportunity to reflect upon the very happy time spent with you in the
afternoon, and upon all that passed between us. And I feel I must write at once to say that I am more sure than ever
that you are the one with whom I should like to share my life's purpose.
Once again I feel reproached, and must apologise, for having spoken so much about myself. The only reason I can
give for doing so is that my only misgivings are with regard to myself and not with regard to you.
The more I learn of you, Doris, the higher the value I set upon your love. And I feel sure if I succeed in winning
that, I shall have won a love which shall remain deep and loyal through all the changing scenes of life.
I have thought much of what you said just before we parted that you had not told me nearly enough about yourself.
That is true in the sense that anything and everything about yourself is of interest to me now. But that was not the
sense in which you meant it, I know.
What I fear is that you may be concerned as to whether my confidence in you is fully justified, seeing that your
sheltered life at home has shut you off from so much that would have been a fair test of your faith and character.
You may feel that if you threw in your lot with me you might disappoint me when difficulties came along, and become a
burden rather than a help. Is this what you had in mind particularly?
I am not at all surprised if you have feelings of that kind. The Christian life is a life of faith for all of us,
but specially so when we are up against a cold and hard world with the responsibility of a home resting upon us. And
we must never forget that if we week to walk by faith God will try our faith, perhaps severely if we make sufficient
advance in His school, as He did Abraham of old. But trials of faith are really an honour, and ought we to shrink
from anything that would give us a deeper knowledge of God?
Perhaps the way I spoke of trusting God gave you the impression that this was something I had attained in my
experience, and that I lived constantly on that plane, so to speak. But, alas! that is far from the truth. To
trust God is a lesson I am only just beginning to learn. Why should we not learn it together? If God bears with us
when we dishonour Him by our unbelief, what ground have we for reproaching one another? God's purpose in bringing two
together is that they may help each other. And if I have learned a wee bit more of the lesson through having been
more directly 'up against it' - and I doubt very much whether I have, really - then it will be my duty to help you, and
that will be a privilege, not a burden.
6
No Doris, I have no misgivings in that respect. I believe you would rise to the occasion. You know what it is to
make the affairs of life a matter of prayer. You have learned in your measure to trust God for guidance. Why should
we not together seek to walk by faith, in separation from the world and its pleasures, as Abraham did, and leave the
future in God's hands? He loves us too well not to do the best for us - provided we live the choice Him.
We often sing that God is the Potter, we the clay. But no clay ever becomes a thing of usefulness and beauty till
it has felt the pressure of the potter's fingers.
The whole point, I am sure, is this. If we have both yielded ourselves, our possession, our prospects, our desires
and our future to God, and if you love me sufficiently to leave home and become my partner in life, with all that it
involves in view of the circumstances in which I am placed, God will give us both grace to love one another and help
one another on in whatever path opens before us.
I thought of you this afternoon trotting off to Woodham Walter for your labour of love. [Mother helped Horace and
a Miss Bridle run a Sunday School at W.W. every Sunday afternoon. She cycled the two miles there. It was held in a
little chapel that is now the Post Office and a grocer's shop.] I have been very interested in that work for a long
time now. And I think your perseverance there in the face of so much to discourage is proof enough of the excellent
qualities you possess. Who knows what the Lord might be pleased to accomplish through us if we are devoted to Him and
to one another.
There is however a sense in which I feel I do not nearly enough about you, and that is with respect to your desires
in life. I quite understood that you had no ambitions of the same kind as mine. That is only natural. At the same
time I feel sure you must have in your own mind some idea as to what you think constitutes an ideal home or family.
And unless I know really what you feel, I am in very great danger of allowing my own ideas to take up far too much of
the future. So do feel free to tell me all you really have in your own mind.
How would it be if I cam down to Chelmsford on Thursday or Friday evening to have another talk, whichever evening
you like? I could leave Liverpool St. by the 5.42 p.m., arriving Chelmsford at 6.32 p.m. The if I returned home by
the 9.29 p.m, that would leave us plenty of time for a talk.
Well! let us both pray on. I am sure we are nearer together than we were.
Ever yours most sincerely,
Ernest
Pantiles,
Danbury,
Chelmsford. 16.12.31
Dear Ernest,
It will be quite alright if you come down on the train you say on Friday evening and I will be in to meet it - now
I'm trying to think of where we can go for a walk or what to do.
When you were talking you did sound as if you trusted God far more than I did in your life but I expect it was just
that your business things are bigger than mine - so I'm glad of what you said in your last long letter - it cheered me
very much. I thought of you such a lot last Sunday evening so that I don't know very much of what Uncle
7
Charles said - I can tell you he spoke about Rahab - but not much more.
I am terribly busy as we break up next Tuesday and there's an enormous amount to finish - we've been rehearsing this
afternoon for our entertainment which caused much mirth for the audience of Mother and Mary!
Yours sincerely,
Doris
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 17th December 1931
Dear Doris,
Many thanks for your kind letter. I stopped the postman at the bottom of the next road this morning and made him
give it to me, so as to have something to cheer me up on the way to the office, where things are rather gloomy. Our
new chief is starting a campaign of ruthless economy.
Thanks to your prayers I got on quite nicely on Sunday evening, though the chapter I read - Dan iii - sent two or
three of the young brothers into hysterics. I'll tell you why when I see you.
Shall look forward very much to seeing you to-morrow evening. It would be nice to g for a good walk somewhere -
providing weather keeps fine. I will have my tea before leaving or on the way down. Do hope you will have a lot to
tell me. I must let you do most of the talking this time, as I want to know a little more of your ideas.
Hope the entertainment goes off allright and that all the parents are well impressed. I'm sure they will be.
Ever your sincerely,
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 20th. December, 1931
Dear Doris,
You will be pleased to hear that I arrived home eventually on Friday evening, with much cause to thank God for a
safe journey. The train came in about 10 o'clock. We had a good run till we got to Romford or Seven Kings. Then
we slowed down until we got to Stratford. We arrived Liverpool St at 11.30 p.m., and I got home at 5 minutes to 1,
naturally, a wee bit tired. Still it was worth the journey to have that nice walk and talk with you. How quickly
the short time went! I had plenty to think over on the way home.
First of all, when can we meet again? Could you come up to town on Boxing Day? If you could catch the 9.40 a.m.
from Chelmsford or any other train to suit you, I would meet you at Liverpool St and we could spend the day together.
As to what we shall do, it is rather difficult to find suitable places to go to at this time of the year, as I expect
you find little interest in museums and the like. So far I have thought out two little schemes.
1. Have look round town in the morning. and come up to Enfield to lunch. Fred said he would be pleased for us to
go in there to lunch if you would like to see the children. After lunch I would take you for a long walk to see the
country round and bring you home to my humble abode to tea. Then I would come up to town with you to see you off by
whichever train you wish to return by.
8
2. Have a good look round town in the morning, and lunch together somewhere. Go to Kew Gardens or somewhere like
that in the afternoon. Find some place, or come home, for tea. And then I would see you off in the evening.
So I will leave you to say what you would like to do if you are free to come up. I do hope you will be able to
come. I may get an extra day's holiday at Xmas, but nothing has been said yet, and I am too uncertain about getting
it to arrange anything. I will wait for a line from you to say which train you will come up by if the day is free.
Since our conversation on Friday, I have been thinking it might be well if we arranged our daily reading so that we
both read the same portion. I have had a scheme for several years now which enables me to cover the whole of the
Bible in 3 years. But I hardly think that would be suitable for us just now. The sort of thing I had in mind was to
go through the Gospels - a chapter a day - and look out for anything which would be likely to have special reference to
the home, or to our future interests if the Lord brings us together. The Lord went into several homes where he was
welcomed. I thought that might be a helpful study in the event of our setting up a home together. Then, when we
meet one another, or write to one another, we can exchange our thoughts.
This is of course only a suggestion for you to think over. Perhaps you can think of something better. Anyhow we
can talk over it and decide what to do when we meet.
We got through our extraordinary general meeting yesterday afternoon tolerably well. It was rather an awkward
affair, and we talked rather like a lot of hoary-headed philosophers. I'll tell you about it when we meet, though I
don't suppose you will be very interested.
Am longing to know the result of your examination. I wish I were free to come down and form part of the audience
on Tuesday. I am sure it will be a wonderful affair.
I thought of you again this afternoon trotting off to your labour of love at Woodham Walter. I think it is
splendid of you to have plodded on all these years over there. I had a good time with my boys, though I sometimes
wonder whether they take in very much.
Do hope you had a pleasant day in town yesterday. I regretted, after leaving you on Friday, that I had not
suggested your dodging them all at mid-day to come and have lunch with me somewhere quietly. Still, that might have
spoiled the day - for you. Hope Tommie was not frozen stiff when you found him on Friday evening. I shall have to
repay a little later on the kindness he was so unconsciously showing me by waiting so long.
Ever yours sincerely,
Ernest
Pantiles,
Danbury. 21.12.31
Dear Ernest,
Behold me hobbling round with a swollen ankle - the result of thinking I was at the bottom of the stairs yesterday
in the dark and suddenly finding out I wasn't! It's not at all comfortable trying to march about as if nothing is
wrong! - this is why I am at home writing to you as I really should be in to my last music lesson of the term - anyway
I should not have a minute to spare to write to you tomorrow so I'm glad I had to stay at home today. Father & Uncle
9
came down and saw the 'do' this morning with a few others and were so impressed that Father may come again tomorrow
with Mother. I can't think where the dear will sit! also I'm very glad you wouldn't be free to come as I should
never have found a big enough corner for you - you ought to have been here this morning.
I was very thankful to have your letter and hear you were not home quite so late as you thought you would be - I
agree - the time did go quickly!
I ran all the way to the Grammar School and found a very patient little figure waiting in the car! the only remark
made was the shopping must have taken a long time also where had I been? so I simply said "Time does go quickly when
you're out doesn't it?" - Tom agreed and plunged into an account of what he had seen at school without any more ado! -
it was terrible driving in the fog - it was so thick - but as we were going slowly along about a mile from the town
suddenly into the headlights loomed the figures of John & Mary! who had come for a walk to meet us. You can guess I
tumbled out of the driver's seat very quickly, it was a relief to see them.
I am terribly sorry but I really cannot come up to town to meet you on Boxing Day as we have all the arrangements
made - but I can come up to town next week and meet your directly you come from your work - what about Wednesday the
30th?
We had a lovely time on Sat. What a pity you did not think of us lunching together earlier as, of course, I would
have met you after leaving Barkies [?illegible] we went to the Imperial Museum for Eileen's & Alison's sake - and were
feeling rather bored when suddenly Eileen switched on a light of a Panorama of the Hudson's Bay Store at Winnipeg!! -
it was marvellous - and Alison wondered why we had suddenly become so very interested! We just looked at it then
hurriedly left as it was time to go to the Carols.
I am glad you got through that meeting fairly well, and hope you felt quite young again when it was over!
Yours sincerely,
Doris
Christmas card franked 24 DEC 31
With Heartiest Good Wishes for to-day and for the New Year
from Doris
"Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the
desires of thine heart."
The fulness of His blessing encompasseth our way,
The fulness of His promises crowns every brightening day,
The fulness of His glory is beaming from above,
While more and more we realise the fulness of His love.
F.R. Havergal
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 26th. December, 1931
Dear Doris,
My first duty must be to thank you for the very kind letter you wrote me on Monday last, and for the sweet card that
arrived to cheer me up yesterday morning. The words inside were very beautiful.
I do hope your foot is better by now, though your letter exemplifies the truth of the proverb "It's an ill wind
etc." Am so glad too that the hierarchy were well impressed with the rehearsal. What would I not have done to have
been there on Tuesday! I'd have been content to look through the window.
John told me on Monday that you had a nerve-racking [sic] drive home on the previous Friday evening. I was rather
surprised. I had no idea the fog was so thick at Chelmsford. It seemed more or less thin where we were didn't it?
Perhaps the station platform was a bit above it. However I am thankful you arrived home safely. Glad you had a good
time in town, too.
It will be very nice to see you next Wednesday if you can manage to come up. I see there is a fast train which
arrives Liverpool Street at 5.48 p.m. Unless I hear to the contrary I will meet that train. Should you decide to
come up earlier, or should I be detained for a few minutes at the office, I will look for you under the big clock over
the main departure platform as soon as I can get away.
I should have written before, but I waited till the end of the week to see if any definite news came along at the
office. So far as I can see, Tuesday's Board meeting decided favourably to me, but I do not expect to know much more
till the turn of the year. In any case the possibility of going to Canada does not appear to have passed. Judging
by the appearance of things generally it looks as though the only job worth having will be in Canada. However, all
that is still in God's hands, so why worry?
The Winnipeg Store is a magnificent building, far too good for the small population of the country. I think that
has been the company's great mistake. They have gone ahead too fast.
I do trust you are having a very happy holiday. There's plenty of fun I am sure when you all get together. We
had a family gathering at Fred's yesterday, and had some exciting games of Ping-pong etc. To-day we have returned to
sobriety. In fact I have been drowning myself in letter-writing and study. I have already written a dozen or more
letters - some of them quite long. Then I went to do the recapitulation of our last Bible Study meeting to send on to
Mr. Hocking before the clock strikes 12. January is going to be a full month with Sunday School Treats etc. But
Saturday the 9th I am due for a Saturday morning off, so we must think of some way to utilise that day to the best
advantage. What about a day-trip to the sea-side together if we could manage it?
I have had a rush invitation to preach at Portobello Road, Ladbroke Grove, to-morrow evening. I should have been
glad to be free, but as it was to fill a gap I thought I ought to go. Then next Thursday evening I am asked to give
an address to Christians at Enfield. I should be glad if you would remember that in your prayers. I don't quite
know what to speak on. It is the last day of the year, but I don't know whether
that will make any difference. What would be a suitable subject for the occasion? Strangely enough I have been
rather impressed by the 7th and 8th of Joshua the last few days, and I now recollect they were the very chapters read
at your morning reading when I was with you last September. Perhaps I shall speak on the conquest of Ai, if I can
think if enough to say about it.
Well! I must cease this word-spinning, or I shall bore you stiff. Shall look forward to Wednesday evening more
than I can say. What a good think I have no Greek class to worry about. We resume that on Wednesday the 6th
January. I have a lot of areas to make up before then. Still it is very interesting. I shall be taking a larger
size in hats before long if I am not very careful.
With all my very very best wishes for yourself, and with kindest regards to all the family (I suppose poor little
Tom will be excluded from this blessing),
I remain,
Ever yours most sincerely,
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 6th. January 1932
Dear Doris,
The letter I promised is such a long time coming that I expect you will have forgotten all about me by now. But
really I have been very busy since we met a week ago, so I must ask you to excuse the delay. It seems an age since we
met. Still, when January is over I shall have a little more time to settle down to things.
First of all, when we can meet again? My time-table for January seems awfully full. There appears to be no free
Friday until the 29th. It is dreadful to think of having to wait until then. Could we not snatch a Thursday evening
together somewhere? I don't mind coming down to Chelmsford, or anywhere else you like.
What about the exam? I expect no news is good news, and that you have come through with flying honours. I do
hope so.
I do trust you are enjoying your stay at Bury, and that you will have a good weekend at Lindsell. Holidays are
very nice, though I expect you will be glad to get back to your bairns. I shall have to come down one day on the
quiet and crouch underneath the window to hear what is going on.
There seems to be very little news. We duly moved down to our new office, where, physically, we shall be more
comfortable. But we want more work to do to keep us happy.
On Saturday I have to go to the Hackney S.S. Treat to distribute the prizes. I do not care much about that kind of
job. The sort of man they need is a witty venerable old gentleman with a two-foot white beard, not a matter -of-fact
hit of a boy. Still I'll have to do my best to look pleasant and smile benignly on the little urchins. That would
be a much easier task if you were going to be there.
We always have a text-painting competition in our Sunday School here over the Xmas holidays. When they are done we
hand them to someone right outside of the school to judge the best three. I think I shall have to send them down to
you to look at this year. You will have to be the judge, and the rest of your family a sort of jury. Would you mind
if I did?
Well I think that about exhausts my stock of ideas of the moment. I think of you such a lot, and do pray the Lord
may soon lead us together if it be His will. I feel I need you to take me out of my own wretched self and inspire me
to better things. I shall have become a miserable selfish old bachelor if I don't have someone to be the object of my
thoughts and care.
Don't forget to let me know when you are going to speak next time, will you.
With all my very best and kindest wishes - I was going to say for the new year, but perhaps I'm too late. Why, oh
why, didn't I think of it before.
Yours sincerely as ever,
Ernest
[The following list of commitments is attached to the above]
Thurs Jan 7
Fri " 8 Aldersgate Meeting 6.30 pm
Sat " 9 Distribute Prizes at Hackney S.S. Treat 6.30 pm
LD " 10 Usual Meetings
Mon " 11 Prayer Meeting 8 pm
Tues " 12 Your school reopens and your girls' meeting
Wed " 13 Greek 6 pm
Thurs " 14
Fri " 15 Aldersgate Meeting 6.30 pm
Sat " 16 Infants Tea & Games @ Enfield 3.30 pm
LD " 17 Preach at St. Germain's Lewisham 7.0 pm
Mon " 18 Prayer Meeting 8 pm
Tues " 19 Your girls' meeting
Wed " 20 Greek 6 pm
Thurs " 21
Fri " 22 Aldersgate Meeting 6.30 pm
Sat " 23 S.S. Treat, Enfield 4.30 pm
LD " 24 Usual Meetings
Mon " 25 Prayer Meeting 8 pm
Tues " 26 Your Girls' Meeting - Parents' Tea @ Enfield 7 pm
Wed " 27 Greek 6 pm
Thurs " 28
Fri " 29
Sat " 30 Boys' tea fight at home 4.30 pm
LD " 31 Usual Meetings
Pantiles,
Danbury 9.1.32
Dear Ernest,
This is a simply glorious morning here after a very white frost. Father has gone for a day's shooting with his
man. I have just come back from driving them to the shoot as Father is lending John & I the car to go to Lindsell in
this afternoon.
Your letter arrived at Bury for me on Friday morning, surprising me very much as I looked every morning last week
among the letters for your writing and was only rewarded by seeing one for John from you, so by Monday morning I'd
given you up as a bad job. As I think about you quite a lot - if not I might have forgotten you - I was very pleased
to have your letter, so please as you love me don't wait quite so long next time.
I'm going to answer your letter in a very tidy manner:-
1. Please refrain from using pins as they make me feel very
nervous after a shock I had from a pinned letter some time ago
which caused sleep to fly from me!
2. I can't say about a Thursday now but perhaps a little later we
might arrange something.
3. I have no news of my exam & I don't think about it at all.
4. Send along the texts and we will have a court over them.
5. You need not be remorseful about best wishes for this year
as you sent them to all the family in the letter before this
one!
6. My college, sir, does not reassemble until Thursday the 14th
- I think I told you that quite plainly, so that's one mistake
on your list. I should think you will nearly hold a record
for S.S. Treats when you have finished and the first Sat. you
don't have one you will be wondering why you haven't to go to
another! Danbury is next Wed. and ours is not yet arranged.
There were a lot of girls to the meal [?illegible] last Tuesday and they wondered where I had got to! Next Tuesday
Miss Bridle is speaking (D.V.) I'm very much afraid some of the girls will go to a Pantomime the W.I. are giving at
the village hall that evening, but I hope we shall not miss many - I've decided I'm terribly faithless at times and
feel very ashamed of myself.
I had a ripping time at Bury and was thoroughly spoilt!! (so I am coming back to earth with a bump by cooking lunch
this morning!) - fire in my bedroom, tray of tea & biscuits before getting up and a beautifully lazy time. We used to
go out in the afternoon, then dinner and a pleasant evening. Mother, Mary, Tom & I drove over in the car last Monday
& took one of our drivers to bring them back & last night I cam back in a small bus. Perhaps you may know Bury is a
very historical & interesting old town so there's plenty to hear about & see. I must stop now - although I could tell
you lots more - because I must write another letter & it's nearly lunch time.
Farewell
Doris
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 11th January 1932
Dear Doris,
Your very gracious and welcome letter awaited me on my return home this evening. Had it not been necessary for me
to run off quickly to West Green I should have answered it by the evening post. I seem to have been forgetting all
sorts of things.
I was so glad to hear you had such a royal time at Bury. I have never been there, so do not know the town at all.
Do trust you have had a nice time at Lindsell too.
On Friday evening I had an urgent request to go to Hammersmith to preach on Sunday evening, as Mr. Toulson, who was
booked to speak, was poorly. So bang went another quiet restful Sunday evening. It was a very wet and miserable day
in town. There were 17 present, including two children. So it would have been rather inappropriate to have given
out the first verse of no. 311 in the Good Tidings Hymn Book. Still I enjoyed going. What else was one to do in
those circumstances? The danger is that some of those whose invitations I had refused might hear of it and call me
over the coals. Still I am getting hardened to that.
I think such a lot about you, Doris, and do wish we lived nearer together. I am a dreadfully bad
conversationalist, yet I feel I want to talk to you about everything that comes along. It looks as though I shall
have to break my heart until the 29th., unless you happen to be free next Saturday morning. Only I have to be back at
Enfield by 3.30 p.m. for the Infants' tea. I could come down to Chelmsford early by the 8.45 am, getting down at 9.45
am, and return by the 1.24 pm from Chelmsford if that would be of any use.
As a matter of fact this weekend has been a very busy one. I got over Saturday's ordeal allright, and hope I did
not look as big a donkey as I felt. I can't bear too much starch and ceremony - another of my many failings, I
suppose.
Things seem to be shaping allright at the office, but I shall be very thankful when things finally settle down now.
I have little doubt that I shall retain my job in London, though I may not be as
comfortable as I could wish. Still it would not do for us to have it all our own way. Once settled, we shall be
able to get on with things.
I shall think of your little meeting to-morrow evening. May the Lord bless you very richly in your service to Him.
Please let me know if I can help you in any way at all. Do you make any notes when your speak You must not be
surprised if some of your girls give you a bit of trouble. Willie Dolton used to say that he never had any trouble
with his boys until they were converted. Then it began. Satan never raises much opposition till he begins to find
his preserve is being raided. Then he marshals his forces.
I am going to send on the Texts in a day or so. I thought I would not hold this letter up until I had them all
here. So will send them later.
Well! it's nearly 1.45 a.m., so think I must got to bed or I shall miss the 8.5 a.m. in the morning. I expect you
are fast asleep, but I am going to ask the Lord to give you his richest blessing all the same before I leave the
fireside.
Good-night my dear Doris
Ever yours sincerely,
Ernest
P.S. Please excuse scribble. My hand feels as though it would drop off.
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 12th. January 1932
10 p.m.
Dear Doris,
Here are the texts. They are rather grubby this year, but that is partly because the children had to return them
on Sunday and you know what a wet day it was. Some of them have got spattered and smeared. Still you will no doubt
be able to make proper allowance for that. The age of each artist is on the back. Will you pick out the best three
in order of merit. Some of them are very fair considering the type of child we have in our school.
I posted the letter I wrote you last night in the city this morning, before 9. I wonder whether you got it by the
afternoon delivery. I hope you did. By the way, I missed my 8.5 a.m. this morning, so travelled up by another line.
It was a pleasure to run up against John in the city midday. Poor old chap, he seems to be getting a bit desperate
about his job. But I hope he won't do anything rash. These things are all in the Lord's hands. I am proving that.
Indications at the office are still favourable.
Well Doris, your holiday is nearly over. I suppose it will be quite by the time you get this. What a mercy to
have some occupation! I shall think of you on Thursday morning.
Do hope we shall be able to see one another on Saturday morning. Wouldn't a nice walk in the country be enjoyable
if the weather is fine? However I must leave that to you. Perhaps you have got something else to do. If anything
should happen that I had to go in to work on Saturday, I would telegraph you, or tell John on Friday evening.
Well! I must close now as I've got about an hour's Greek exercises to do in preparation for to-morrow evening, and
if I don't look out will be 2.15 a.m. again before I enter sheet alley.
So with every loving wish,
Good night once again,
Ernest
[In Greek] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Pantiles,
Danbury,
Chelmsford. 14.1.32
Dear Ernest,
This is not really to answer your letters but just to say it will be alright if you come down on Sat morning. We
will go for a walk so if it's raining don't come. I'm hoping to go up to town next Thursday to shop so then perhaps
we could see each other?
Your first letter arrived Wednesday morning, you see our afternoon post is about 12 o'clock so there's really not
much hope of a letter arriving the same day. The Texts also have come. I will bring them with me on Sat. if that
will do.
I am writing this in a terrible rush, as we have been shopping in Chelmsford all the afternoon & were home very late
for tea and now we are just off to the Meeting which to-night is all about Baptisms as several from the Meetings are
going to be Baptised next week.
I'll talk a lot on Saturday as I haven't time to write a lot now.
Yours sincerely,
Doris
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. Lord's Day 17/1/32
Dear Doris,
During my journey home yesterday, after our extremely enjoyable morning together, I formed a resolution to write you
fully on the points we discussed during lunch. For I feel we touched upon what really lies at the heart of things,
and it is important we should understand one another fully. But there was no time last evening. We had a rollicking
time with the infants, and I was absolutely beaten by the time I finished all that had to be done. And I see no hope
of getting down to it to-day. So I thought I would write to you in the meantime.
First of all I think I omitted to send a message of thanks to your father for his kind invitation to preach at
Danbury during February. But I am due at Ilford for the whole of that month. So will you thank him for me, and ask
him whether I might tentatively reserve the first Lord's Day in March.
Then I wonder very much whether I gave you the message I should have done for Mrs. Baker. Will you thank her very
much for the Bible-markers. I am sure the children will be pleased with them.
Then I must thank you all for so kindly adjudicating in the last painting competition. I shall have to keep the
name of the arbitrator secret for the time being.
Now before I go any further are there any more things I have forgotten? Let me think. Can't think of any.
Now as to Thursday, I find I must be back for the meeting at 8 p.m, as there is the setting up of tables, and a host
of other jobs to be done after, in preparation for the S.S. Treat on Saturday. So I must catch the 7.21 p.m. from
King's Cross home. I see too that
there is a fast train for you leaving Liverpool Street at 7.42 p.m. What I suggest is that we meet outside Smith &
Wellstores' shop in Ludgate Circus at 5.45 p.m. and have tea together. That will give us an hour and a quarter or an
hour and a half for a good talk.
[Simple map drawn of the junction with Farringdon Street
and Ludgate Hill, with an X arrowed Meet here.]
So unless I hear to the contrary, I will see you there at the appointed hour.
I shall think of you on Tuesday evening. Hope you will get on allright. Here is a suggestion as to your text in
Eccl. xii.l.
The first question that rises when we read the text is - why should we remember our Creator in the days of our
youth? Here are some reasons -
1. Because - as God is our Creator, we must be His creatures, and
being His creatures we are under an obligation to fulfil the
purpose for which we were made, that is, to do His will and
live for His glory. What is the use of possessing anything-
a bicycle for instance - if it is of no use to me, if it
does not serve the purpose for which I bought it. All that
we possess we possess for a purpose. What then is the
purpose for which God created us?
2. Because - God is the source of all that is good, and all power
is with Him. Therefore, to submit myself to Him is to place
myself in touch with the One who can give me the best in
life - provided I leave the choice to Him. In His provid-
ential grace God is the Saviour of all men but specially of
those who believe.
3. Because - remembrance of my Creator will preserve me from many
of the sins which destroy human life down here. Thousands
of our fellow men are living wasted, profligate, despairing
lives - strewn like wrecks upon the strands of time -
because they forgot God in the days of their youth. They
are providing that - the way of transgressors is hard. Paul
said - godliness is profitable unto all things, having
promise of the life which now is, and of that life which is
to come 1 Tim iv.8.
4. Because - God gave His son for me, to redeem me from all
iniquity. And to forget God is to slight and dishonour the
One who came to make God known, and to despise the revel-
ation He has given.
5. Because - I have to stand before God one day and give an
account of the way I have lived down here. If I do without
God in this world, I shall have to do without Him in the
next - for eternity.
Now then, dry up, I can hear you saying!
Well good-bye for now. Am just on my way to St. Germains, so must switch my mind over and think out my subject.
I feel very much inclined to speak on the above text. It seems very fresh to me.
Yours very affectionately,
Ernest
P.S. Please excuse scribble. I am in an LNER train.
[A letter card:]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 20/1/32
Dear Doris,
Just a line to say that I will look out for you to-morrow evening, as arranged. Should there be any sign of fog,
don't trouble to come along - I shall quite understand. Am so sorry I have not been able to write you the letter I
promised. But it was quite impossible to get down to it last evening. There is such a lot to get done in readiness
for the Treat on Saturday. I know you will understand. Still we can have a nice talk to-morrow evening over a cup
of tea (D.V.).
We are just getting ready for a big sale at the warehouse next week. We have all been warned to expect some
overtime work. So that is something more to keep me out of mischief. It looks as though I shall be unable to get
along to the Parents' Tea next Tuesday. I shall have to find someone else to deliver the Superintendent's oration.
Trust you had a good attendance last night, and that the speaker got on allright. I though of you. Am just off
to get the remainder of the prizes for Saturday. I've come to the conclusion that we are too generous at Enfield in
the awarding of them. About 70% - 75% of the school are getting a book of some sort. Fred is going to show them
some lantern slides, and Mr. Wilson of West Green is going to give the prizes away.
Shall look forward very much to seeing you to-morrow. Do trust nothing will come in to hinder. There is just the
possibility I might be raked in at the last moment to work overtime, but I hope note. Don't wait after 6 p.m. in any
case. Good-bye for now.
Yours affectionately as ever
Ernest
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 24th. January 1932
Dear Doris,
I must sit down and write you a few lines now. Do hope you arrived home safely on Thursday evening, not too tired
after your afternoon's business. It was a real joy to see you, and a real relief to have you to talk to for a few
minutes. How the time did fly! It was more like 5 minutes than an hour and a quarter.
We had a good address from Percy Rice on 2 Kings ii, and then stayed till 10.30 p.m. making arrangements for the
Treat. We had a tip-top time last evening. Everything went with a swing. I do wish you had been there. We gave
away 70 prizes, in addition to 8 medals, two of them with "second year" bars. Then there were the three painting
prizes and 12 Bible markers. So there was everything to make them happy. And happy they were. There was a good
turn out of parents too, which shows a keen interest on their part.
Fred gave quite an interesting lantern lecture on lifeboats. There were about 47 slides, I believe, and they were
quite good pictures. Some of them depicted wrecks, others showed the way lifeboats were constructed. There was a
picture of Grace Darling too, and certain other heroes of the sea.
Mr Wilson distributed the prizes. He gave them a short address first which was very excellent. He brought along
a wooden clock-face with to hands that moved round. Then he set the clock at various times, midday, six o'clock,
midnight etc., and spoke of various scriptural events which happened at those times. He was very good, and the
children and parents listened attentively. The tea was at 4.30 p.m. and we finished up at 8.30 p.m., so we gave them
a full 4 hours of it. As they left we have them each an orange. Unfortunately we forgot to remove the thin paper
wrappers, so had to go all along the street outside picking them up when the children gone lest the neighbours should
complain of the litter. One learns by experience!
Well! I do not know that there is much more to add of news. Things are upside again in the office. More changes.
Oh when shall we settle down again to get on a bit! Next week I expect to have to work till 9 p.m. each night. But
I don't mind work, it is uncertainty that gets one down. Still enough of that.
We had a very nice meeting this a.m. I spoke a little after the B of B. on Ruth i.16-18. It is an example of
perfect devotion. Jonathan failed in his devotedness to David because he was prepared to live on in the king's palace
while the one for whom he professed to have such love was enduring the privations of the caves and dens of the earth.
The secret of his failure was that he loved David only for what he had done, not for what he was in himself personally.
Ruth on the other hand loved Naomi for what she was - one of the people of God. And her devotion unto death was
the more remarkable seeing what a bitter discontented old woman Naomi was. I applied the various clauses of Ruth's
intreaty to the Lord Himself, who came down where we were, dwelled amongst us, took up the cause of His people,
experienced the knowledge of God from our standpoint as men upon earth, then took our place in death and burial. His
devotion to us and our cause was complete.
Then we considered the same clauses as being the befitting response of our hearts to His. Where He goes, we should
follow. where He lodged - not down here, for heaven was His goal - we should lodge, confessing that we are citizens
of heaven, and merely pilgrims and strangers down here. His people should be our people. The children of God are
"our own company". His God is our God. Oh! that we might rest in Him in times of trial just as the Lord Himself did
when He slept calmly in the stern of the boat while the winds and waves roared around Him. Where He died, we should
be prepared to die, though death for us could never mean what it meant to Him. Lastly Ruth carried her devotion to
the utmost extreme, even to the predisposal of her bones after she died. She could go no further than that. The
passage suggested itself to me when we sung the opening hymn - No. 227 "Lord e'en to death thy love could go."
There now, there's another sermon for you, straight from the baker's oven. It would make a good subject for your
girls.
The school this afternoon showed distinct traces of yesterday evening. They turned up in full force, needless to
say. But they needed a good deal of keeping under. However they were pretty good on the whole. I have six little
boys of 8 this year. My class of elder boys has gone to another brother for this year. I've invited them all up
home next Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m., so they were in high spirits. I told them all to bring their slippers, as
last year we finished up with a wholesale 'rag'.
Now, what about you? I thought of you on the way over to Woodham Walter this afternoon. Do hope you had a good
time, and that all those big girls turned up again.
I shall soon have to be making some preparations for my visits to Ilford next month. If any subjects occur to you,
jot them down. I
find it so difficult to avoid getting stale. If you get a sermon or two along for your criticism, you'll know what
they are.
My next job must be to write out an address of welcome (i.e. a curtain lecture) to be read to the Parents in my
absence on Tuesday. I'm very sorry not to be able to get there, but it can't be helped.
In a Book on preaching, and a chapter dealing with the preacher himself are the following remarks:-
"I almost hesitate as I speak of the next element of the
"preacher's power. I almost doubt by what name I shall call it
" to give the impression of the thing I mean. Perhaps there is
" no better name than Gravity. I mean simply that grave and
" serious way of looking at life, which, while it never repels
" the true lightheartedness of pure and trustful hearts, welcomes
" into a manifest sympathy the souls of men who are oppressed and
" burdened, anxious and full of questions which for the time at
" least have banished all laughter from their faces. I know,
" indeed, the miserableness of all mock gravity ... the gravity
" that is assumed, that merely hides with solemn front the lack
" of thought and feeling that is put on as the uniform of a pro-
" fession, that consists in certain forms, and is shocked at any
" serious thought of life more truly grave than it is, but which
" happens to show itself under other forms which it chooses to
" call frivolous, this is worthy of all satire and contempt...
" The gravity of which I speak is not inconsistent with the
" keenest perception of the ludicrous side of things. It is more
" than consistent with - it is even necessary to - humour.
" Humour involves the perception of the true proportion of life
" It is one of the most helpful qualities that the preacher can
" possess... Pure gravity is like the hinges of the wonderful
" gates of the ancient labyrinth, so strong that no battery
" could break them down, but so delicately hung that a child's
" light touch could make them swing back and let him in."
"Nah then!" as the cockney would say, where does your 'umble stand in the light of that? Does he carry it too far?
Well! I really didn't expect to write to much. You will be bored stiff. But it is now time to leave for the
meeting, so shall let you off any more just now.
Good-bye for now. Shall think of you more than ever. Please give kindest regards to all at home.
Yours very affectionately,
Ernest
[undated: envelope franked JAN 25 1932]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. Lords Day evening 10.30 p.m.
My dear Doris,
Have just finished my grandfatherly note to our S.S. parents, most of whom are old enough to be my parents.
Thought you would like to see my draft of it, so am sending it on to you. It will give your father another jolly good
laugh. Still I should be glad to have any criticisms that come to him. If only I had though about it before I would
have asked him for suggestions before. But it did not occur to me to do so before, and it is too late now.
Of course, it is taking a bit of a liberty with them, but I don't think they mind me. It's all the same if they
do, for that matter. But, as a matter of fact, many of our mothers have no more idea as to how to treat children than
the man in the moon.
Had a nice time at the meeting this evening. Stanley Pegram preached on the parables of the vineyard and the great
supper, Matt xxii & xxiii. There were a good number out, and the singing went like a house on fire.
Well! I think I shall turn in early to-night, after I've sat by this lonely fire and thought about you for a little
while. May the Lord bless thee and keep thee till we meet again.
Yours very affectionately,
Ernest
[Following is a pencilled draft - many crossings out/revisions - of the little speech. It's in letter form, in case he
couldn't be present, and someone had to read it out.]
Primrose Hall 26th January 1932
Dear Parents,
It is, I can assure you, a great disappointment to me that I am unable to be present to welcome you to our annual
gathering this evening. Nothing but the most urgent claims of business would have detained me.
In the first place, on behalf of all the Sunday School teachers here, I wish to thank you for continuing to send
your children to the school. The fact that 21 of the Infants and 47 of the elder scholars obtained the necessary
three quarters of their marks to earn a prize is proof enough of their regular and punctual attendance, and for this we
know you are mainly responsible.
Let me say this with regard to the prizes. There are four things for which marks are given -
1. Regular and punctual attendance
2. Good Behaviour
3. Bringing the Bible lent to them
4. Learning the verse given them to learn
In each of these four things you, as Parents, can do your part if you will insist upon your children obeying the rules
of the school. In particular let me say that a good many marks are lost by scholars who forget, or are too lazy, to
learn their verse. The task set is a very simple and very light one, and we see no reason at all why every scholar
should not learn the verse set him each week so thoroughly as to be able to repeat it from memory without any prompting
whatever from the teacher. May I appeal to you then to take an interest in this part of the work, and see that every
child of yours learns his verse week by week.
If at any time your child does not receive a prize, we shall be only too pleased to give you the reason if you will
enquire of us. Only in this way will you know where the failure lies.
I am glad to be able to say that we have no serious cause to complain of behaviour this year. I feel sure you
responded to the appeal I made to you a year ago to cooperate with me in seeing that a proper standard of conduct is
maintained.
Just one word in closing with regard to the elder scholars. I have pointed out to you before the tendency we find
with elder boys and girls to leave the Sunday School at that critical period of their
life when they need the guidance and help of God's word most of all. I refer to the time when they are from 13 to 17
years of age. They being to consider themselves too big for Sunday School, especially when they start out to work.
They feel they are now men and women and expect to be allowed to do just as they like.
But they need to be reminded that they will still remain under your care and control for several years. The rulers
of our land have very wisely made that a matter of law. But for their own good, the bursting forth of that youthful
energy which has been restrained at school, needs to be carefully watched, guided and controlled. And if Parents fail
in their duty there, their children will one day turn upon them and reproach them for their neglect. Thousands of men
and women who have gone wrong and are now hopelessly trapped in the mazes of sin and vice, are there because they
neglected the advice of their elders, and were not restrained by their parents when they took that first step onto the
crooked and downward path.
Let me repeat that there is no time in our lives when we so sorely need the light and guidance of God's word as in
the critical years of our youth, when we are sowing our seeds for the future, and it is for that reason we ask you as
earnestly as we can to use your most strenuous influence and, if need be, your parental authority, to see that your
children do not leave us until they are well on the way to manhood and womanhood. We on our part will do everything
possible to influence them in the right direction, and to ensure that they shall feel no indignity in being connected
with the Primrose Hall Sunday School.
I would like very much to have a talk with each one of you as to how you stand personally in relation to the things
of God. For you need the grace of God and the Saviour of sinners as much as your children do. But if I say anything
more along this line I shall encroach upon Mr. Toulson's province this evening.
So, with renewed thanks for sending your children, and with hearty greetings to you all,
I remain
yours ever sincerely,
Ernest A. Pettman
Pantiles,
Danbury,
Chelmsford. 27.1.32
Dear Ernest,
What do you think I've done - told Horace that I have someone to address our children on the first Sunday in March,
then remembered I haven't even asked you if you would, so as I understand you are coming to preach at Danbury that
weekend will you please address our Sunday School? I'm sure I don't know if Father wanted you for his children, but
anyway, I've asked first now and Danbury will have you in the evening.
Thankyou for your letters. The second one was a lovely surprise. I'm glad the Treat went off so well. You seem
to give the children a very luxurious time. Thankyou for your 'little word'. I shall certainly hope to use it for
the girls some day. Once I spoke to the girls on, Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of
Man cometh. Matt.24.4. Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.
Matt.25.l3 and read 1 Thess. 5.2 & 6, Cor 15.51 & 52, 1 Thess 4.16 & 17. I spoke for the girls who were unconverted
first then also to the
Christians. I feel amazed as myself for suggesting things to you, and am thinking that you ought to feel the same as
I should if one of my small people started trying to tell me the shape of the world or how to do a small sum! but I
shan't mind seeing your sermons at all.
I don't think you carry gravity too far at all, especially now I know you much more. You see, you always used to
be just a preacher coming here, and seemed a rather heavy, solemn person that we had to put up for the weekend. You
always seemed very staid and the best part always, was - your preaching.
What a very good letter you wrote for the parents. Father has not seen it yet as he & Mother came home from
Eastbourne late last night (then you can imagine the talking that went on!) and today he & Eileen have gone up to town
to see Dr. Hey. I'm afraid when they've finished with him they won't have much time to do much as he takes so long
seeing anyone! - they had a nice time at Eastbourne. June is still as charming as ever in looks and ways. We also
had a nice time at home going out to tea & having people in - on Friday an old school friend of Mary's came to tea with
her mother and arrived in the girl's own car, a ripping little bus! it's an Austin with a Mulliner body, a most sporty
looking car, then Mary & I went out for the afternoon & evening on Sat & Enid, Norman, Stewart & Jack Baker came to tea
on Sunday, if you know who all those people are (all some of the many Bakers except one!) We had some people to tea
yesterday as well.
I've been thinking of your working every night late this week & hope you're not getting too tired - I must stop now
because it's tea time so fare well
Love from the Principal of
Pantiles Kindergarten
P.S. If ever you have to refer to me again to anybody please don't call me a school teacher but "my acquaintance the
principal"! (observe my pride!)
[An arrow goes from "teacher" to a simple drawing of the
head of a prim lady with "bun" hair and lace round her neck.]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 27/1/32
Dear Doris,
Thought I would write and let you know what a good time we had last night at the Parents' Tea. It really was good.
Mr. Toulson was fine. All our teachers said he was quite the best speaker we have ever had for the mothers, and I
quite agree. He spoke on John v.24.
After working till 9 p.m. on Monday night, I managed to get out just in time to get down to the Meeting 5 minutes
before it began. So I was able to deliver my oration personally instead of by letter. I gave it them hot and
strong, but they took it very well. One of the mothers - mother of 10 or 12 I think - said that my face had done her
good. Evidently she paid more attention to my personal appearance than to what I said. But still we had a really
good time. I get on very well with all the parents, and I know they trust me to look after their children.
To-night I got along to my Greek class, though I did not think I should. As a matter of fact they held the Silver
Fox Sale only this week. The big sale is to come next week, so expect a very late week then.
These late nights are very trying to me because it makes it almost impossible for us to meet. I have got my
address for Sunday next to the S.S. Teachers to prepare, and in addition, the report of Mr. Hocking's address at
Aldersgate St. last Friday to transcribe. Donaldson could not get to the meeting, so I had to take it all down in
shorthand, and I haven't made a start on it yet. Then on Saturday the boys come up.
It seems such a long while since I saw you, though it's less than a week ago. Next week is to be busy too, though
I should think I ought to be able to get off on Friday evening the 5th. The Saturday after is my morning off. So
we'll have to try and arrange for something next week. I will write you again a little later on.
Well! this letter seems as full of self as ever. How are you getting along? I think of you very often. Hope
you had a good time at the Girls' meeting last evening. By the way I quite forgot to ask you about the baptism you
spoke of. Where did it take place, and who was baptised? Who is going to speak at your meeting next Tuesday?
I thought of you when I read about that mutiny at Dartmoor Prison last Sunday. It must have been an alarming
experience. But they send all the worst there. They are the scum of the country. I don't suppose you would care
to go there to play, would you?
Well! I can't think of any more news just now. I do wish we were not so far apart. But there, that's not our
fault. We must look forward to seeing one another oftener a little later on.
Good-bye and good-night
Yours very affectionately,
Ernest
P.S. Will you return the enclosed to John. Thanks.
[The envelope for this letter is addressed to The Principal of Pantiles Kindergarten (Miss D. Baker]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 28/1/32
My dear Doris,
It was a very good cheer to find your letter waiting for me on the table when I returned home this evening. I
shall be delighted to visit Woodham Walter in the afternoon of the Lord's Day I am down at Danbury (D.V.). I am
looking forward to it more than I can say. What a long long time it is to wait. Still it will be all the sweeter
when it comes.
You will have received my letter with the account of Tuesday's meeting. Glad you do not think my letter to the
Parents was amiss. As I managed to get there at the last moment I spoke to them myself, but it was almost word for
word what I had put in the letter. My next task is to speak to the Teachers next Sunday afternoon. That is going to
be a more delicate task I can see.
I had to tell people that the texts were judged by a "school-teacher" to conceal your identity and throw any
inquisitive persons off the scent. Had I used the periphrasis you suggest they would
certainly have had their suspicions as to the circle in which I had evidently begun to move. But, as it was, no one
asked any questions. I shall certainly not associate you in future with what I feel to be the most disgruntled
section of the community - schoolteachers. It is remarkable to me that the set of individuals who are employed to
train the young to become useful and happy citizens are the most useless and miserable creatures to be found. I'm
afraid I'm rather hard on them as a class. But really they do have an easy time of it - and they will grumble.
[!!!!!!]
I hope the illustrative sketch at the end of your letter is not intended as a substitute for the favour I asked of
you when we last met!!! I must see about fulfilling my part of that bargain at the first opportunity. The enclosed
[not there] is what I had done for a Passport in 1926 I believe - in the far off days of my giddy youth. I never look
at it without being reminded of a poser a master at school once put to me - Are you a bigger fool than you look, or do
you look a bigger fool than you are? The question has puzzled me ever since, and I don't think I've decided on the
answer yet.
Well, my dear Doris, the clock has just struck midnight, and I expect you're sleeping just as peacefully as the
stars are shining in the sky. "So he giveth his beloved sleep." What a wonderful thought that is! Good-night.
Your unworthy but affectionate
Ernest
Pantiles,
Danbury. 2.2.32
Dear Ernest,
Mother & I are just going to drive into Chelmsford so I'm writing to you first as I shall not have a minute to spare
when we get back.
I'm very sorry but I shall not be able to see you on Friday because we are hoping to have a small party that
evening, also Rona wants me to spend this weekend or the next with her and as John & I are invited to a party at
Woodford the Sat. after next, I am arranging to go to hers this weekend so shall hope to go up Sat morning, it seems as
if its going to be an age before we can go out together again.
What an interesting address you gave your teachers also jolly straight. I think its marvellous how you write.
Last Sat. Father & his man went shooting, Mary was going down to Deal with Edwin & John was up at Dr. Heys
supporting Eileen who was having a wayward tooth cut out of her jaw so I borrowed the car & went into Chelmsford &
watched a county hockey match on the High School ground, Essex v. Kent ladies - it was a great game, and the passing
simply wonderful.
I must rush off now as we have to catch the bank - of thankyou for the snaps,
Love from
Doris
[In pencil:]
Chelmsford High Street in car
The car was a job to start so we did not get in here until 3-15 the bank was supposed to be closed but they'd
forgotten to lock the door! so I told them I was very glad they had! as I was able to do Fathers business - alls well
that ends well -
Doris
Enfield
Wednesday 11 p.m. [undated: envelope franked FEB 4 1932]
My dear Doris,
On arriving home this evening I found your very welcome letter awaiting me. It has crossed mine to you of midday.
The only possible solution of the weekend would appear to be lunch together on Saturday if that is at all possible.
But do not let me interfere with any arrangements you have made. If we could possibly meet for lunch, I would
suggest that we meet outside Smith & Wellstood's shop in Ludgate Circus as before at 1.15 p.m. But please do not put
yourself out in any way.
As I was too late home to catch the evening collection, you won't get this letter until Friday morning, and an
immediate reply would probably not reach me until after I had left on Saturday morning. So would you ask John if he
would be good enough to give me a ring on Saturday morning if you can manage to steal away for a little while.
Unless I hear from John shall not expect you.
Have just finished writing out Mr. Hocking's address at the last Aldersgate meeting. Alan Donaldson did not turn
up, so I had to take it all down in shorthand. There are 91/2 foolscap pages when it is all written out.
Do trust you will have a very happy weekend in town. Shall spend Saturday evening writing out a sermon I expect.
Think of me at Ilford on Lord's Day evening won't you.
With much love from
Ernest
Pantiles,
Danbury. 5.2.32
Dear Ernest,
We've just come back from Chelmsford where I went through an ordeal, which I consider much worse than a visit to the
dentist - the only thing that helped through, and I hope took a very strained look away from my countenance was
thinking of who I was having it done for! anyway I sincerely hope that perhaps one of the many may do! after the Ordeal
[presumably having her poly-photo taken] I met Mary & Edwin and first of all we had a conducted tour round the
cathedral - by a gentleman who had a grudge against the world & people in it - then we took Edwin to the market after
which he took us to have some tea at a charming place which had quite a record of jolly farmers in it (I should think
they had all done very good deals!)
I'm so sorry I could not meet you for lunch, only you see, I know a party of us are going for a walk directly
afterwards and the weekend is so very short, also they are expecting me in the morning so I could not have broken it up
at all - its so nice as I hope to stay until Monday evening as Mary is taking school for me, if she goes out again
soon, its such a job for me to get back in time so it will be nice not to have to rush off - I will tell you something
- I would have much rather spent the afternoon on Sat. with you that the crowd that I'm going out with. I will
certainly think of you at Ilford on Lord's Day evening, I wonder who will be speaking at Chelsea.
Last Wednesday Father Mother John & Eileen had a day trip to Eastbourne they had a very jolly time starting at 7.0
in the morning and taking breakfast with them, which they had on Hayes Common, they
went to fetch a new car, an Austin 16 saloon. I had a drive in it yesterday and its "right lovely (Yorkshire - learnt
from the Provis) its, of course bigger than our other one, and hold the road beautifully, at 40 you can't believe your
doing so much - the other one would have snorted & puffed but this simply slips along at that.
Auntie Constance spoke to the girls last Tuesday and was splendid she spoke on '3 Doors' she was horribly nervous
and you could hear it by her voice shaking. Gracie is speaking next week. Horace & I drove down to Woodham Walter
last night after the Reading to look over the books for our children as the treat is next Wednesday.
You would laugh at Gwendoline one of my children, a very shy quite rather dull child has developed a new and very
original way of attracting me or trying to when she wants to ask me anything, this is what I hear, a very large and
deep sigh escaping from a very small individual with occasional glances at me (this I observed from the corner of my
eye!) at first I wondered what it was all about, but I soon found out and so now, if near my chair, I hear this doleful
sound, I know I shall see a small girl with either a marvellous drawing (so good you have to gingerly ask & suggest at
the same time what or who it is!) or some figures for me to pass judgment on - so I simply ignore the person until its
her turn! and am hoping this will drive the sad sounds away!
I must simply rush now as they want me in the lounge and before I go in there I have to get Mondays instructions for
my school all set out for Mary as there will be no time in the morning, so Goodbye my dear. I shall think of your pen
scratching away tomorrow evening.
Love from
Doris
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 6th. February, 1932
My dear Doris,
You loving letter received today was a very real cheer, and it so happened that I was so late getting off to
business that I had it to cheer me up before I left home. The reason for my being so late was that mother collapsed
after she had got up this morning. She has been unwell all the week, a chill in the liver, I think. This morning
while she was getting breakfast, she nearly fainted off, and was very sick. So she had to lie down while I lit the
fire, got the breakfast, and so on. Then I had to go and ask Fred [who was living at 80, Gordon Hill - about half a
mile away] if he would look in later on to see how she was. So I did not get off till about 20 minutes to 9.
To add to the trouble I woke up this morning to find that my voice had gone. I had a sore throat earlier in the
week, and that developed into a running cold. Then during the night it attacked the larynx, and upset the vocal
organ. So if we had met, I could not have had much to say. I should have been compelled to listen this time.
Anyhow, I felt I ought to get home from the office as soon as possible in case Mother was any worse, and our time
together would have been very short on that account. So evidently everything was for the best as it turned out.
Mother is better this evening, but if she is not much better in the morning I shall see the Doctor about her. That
will bring down upon my head another parental lecture.
I have been inhaling Friars' Balsam for my throat, which I always find gives relief. I telephoned Mr. Boon, too,
to have a deputy ready at Ilford to-morrow evening in case I should be unable to get over. I shall get someone to
take my class for me in the afternoon, and take a brother with me to open the meeting so as to save what little voice I
have left as much as possible. However, that's enough about my little troubles for the moment.
Glad to hear you have been through the dreadful ordeal. Shall long to see the result. It will nerve me for mine.
Did not feel well enough for it this afternoon, or should have taken the opportunity. We have had a very heavy week
at the office and feel just about worn out this evening. Shall have an early turn in - a really early one - and leave
my sermon for the morning D.V., and the afternoon, as I shall not be going to school.
By the way, had we met to-day I was going to tell you of a slight development at the Office which is perhaps more
important than appears. As I believe I told you, when I was studying I did not complete my Degree because of the
difficulty in passing French. And as I had had 5 years of study for that I did not feel inclined to go in for the
professional examinations in my own line of things. This week, however, the new London Manager asked me if I was a
member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and by the way the enquiry came to me I think I knew pretty well what was
in his mind.
So I spoke to my Chief, and told him how it was I had never qualified with the Institute, but said that if it were a
question of their wanting a qualified man, I would undertake to sit for the exams as soon as was practicable. There
are two parts to the Exam, and it takes a year to prepare for each. So I expect to have to start on that game again.
Still, as a matter of fact, they are highly technical exams, and my practical knowledge of insurance will give me most
of what is required. Still I shall have to do some swatting, and it's a bit of a nuisance.
It may be all part of the Lord's leading one to a quieter life for the next few years. I long with all my heart to
be freer to spend more time in prayer and quiet meditation over the word. Coming home from Pembroke Hall last Lord's
Day evening, there was a man in the compartment reading his Bible. So I got into conversation and found he was a very
dear Christian man who had been out on the same work as I had. He was a man of 55 or 60 I should think, and was a
really godly man. I liked his spirit very much. He belongs to an independent mission in Enfield, which is noted for
its godliness and energy in the gospel.
But he began speaking about the secret of power, and he said to me - "Depend upon it, if we are too busy to pray, we
are busier than the Lord wants us to be." I felt terribly rebuked, especially as I had been lecturing my own
fellow-workers in the Sunday School on the very point (Mark i.35), so shortly before. I cannot think all that
happened by chance. Of course I did not tell him how I felt, but I gave him a very warm shake of the hands when we
parted.
You know, Doris, I sometimes feel as though I should like to have a few years absolute quiet and rest from active
service so as to learn God for oneself. I feel I want something like Moses had when he spent those 40 quiet years in
the back side of the desert. That was, after all, where he received God's training for the great work God had for him
to do. And I seem too busy in every way. The only danger is that I might settle down in a worldly way and forget
what is due to the Lord.
That is the great exercise with me at the moment. And if the Lord brings us together, I shall seriously consider
whether I ought not to abandon the idea of being very active for a few years. Only I don't want to become selfish.
The need of the Lord's people, and the call for the gospel, are appeals which cannot lightly be put off. I've got
beyond the stage when I want to be always out at a meeting. I believe our public service would be more effective if
we thought less of quantity and more of quality.
For this reason, if for no other, I don't think you will ever find that I shall neglect my home for the Lord's
service (so-called). Only I want you to share my feelings. As you know I have no hobbies. The Lord's service
claims all my spare time. And there is no greater delight to me than to serve Him. But if our desires are one, I
think we shall put the Lord first, and find the happy path together.
As I told you, I know I am rather self-contained. But that is the result of circumstances, not of choice. There
are only one or two to whom I feel I can open my heart, so I have to be content for the most part to enjoy my thoughts
myself. But really there is nothing that gives me such pleasure as to share my own joys and plannings with someone
else.
But I feel sure of this, my dear Doris, that you and I are one at heart in our desire to serve the Lord. I feel
you really believe in your heart of hearts, as I do, that the things which matter most are not temporal things but
eternal things. And I don't doubt for one moment that you would be any other than a loyal and devoted helper in
anything I feel the Lord would have me to do for Him.
Well! this letter seems to have drifted into a sermon again very nearly. I am beginning to think that sermonising
is a real weakness with me. You must be bored stiff by it all.
Still I'm not going to write much more now. I'm going to bed. And I must confess that I have gone in for the
luxury of a fire in my bedroom to=night on the ground that I am temporarily an invalid. What will happen if mother
finds out before I have been able to clean up in the morning? I had better insist on her having he breakfast in bed
so as to give me a little more time.
I fear this letter is all about my wretched self again. But if I write about myself, I think a lot about you, my
dear Doris, in all your various activities. And your last letter was full of interest. Do so hope you are having an
enjoyable weekend in town. Take care of yourself, and don't let anything I say worry you. The Lord will lead us and
show us the way, if we are going to walk together. I feel I shall never be all that I might be till you have imparted
to me some of your own mixture.
So good-bye and good-night,
With every loving wish,
Yours affectionately
Ernest
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 9th February, 1932
My Dear Doris,
Just a few lines to let you see that I am still surviving this long stretch of the Sahara desert. When am I going
to reach the next oasis?
I duly presented myself at Ilford on Sunday evening, and managed to get through without losing my voice. Happily I
was sufficiently interested in my address to forget that anything was wrong. On Monday morning however I was well
aware that I had used my voice freely the previous evening. There was a good attendance, and it was quite a bright
happy meeting. Who spoke at Chelsea? I am afraid my sermon did not get written out after all. I really did not
feel up to it on Saturday or Sunday, or else I was too lazy. By the way, I should like to have those notes of the
address to the S.S. teachers back, some time or another, as they may be useful again one day.
Do hope you had a very nice weekend in town, and enjoyed yourself. I expect you did. Hope Mary got on allright
with the school too. To-night is your girls' meeting. I wonder if you are having a good time. And then to-morrow
evening is the Woodham Walter treat I believe. So you must be having a busy time too.
We are not so busy at the office this week I am glad to say. Things are slackening down for a time, but there is
one more sale this month, then a clear run till April.
I don't think there is any more news of any sort. I still think of you often, and long to see you again.
However, I suppose I must be patient - that's not the only thing I'm waiting for.
Give my kind regards to all at home, please, not forgetting dear Tommie.
With much love for yourself,
Yours affectionately,
Ernest
P.S. Mother is much better.
Pantiles,
Danbury. 11.2.32
My dear Sir,
Thankyou for the sermon that was here for me when I came home on Monday evening - and did not cost an extra P like
the one before did - also for the letter that came this morning. I don't mind your sermony letters a bit as I like to
hear all about your thoughts - and they don't worry me in the slightest - I did wonder after reading your Monday's
sermon whether you ever listened to another preacher but after my reading on Monday evening something that came in the
notes made me feel it would be wrong to ask you that (it was about the call for the gospel) I do agree with your
thought about less quantity and more quality.
I am glad you had a good time on Sunday evening and was able to speak - did you take a curate with you after all?
I hope your voice has arrived back by now. We are very pleased to hear Mrs. Pettman is much better, will you please
tell her so also that Mother, Grandma & I send her love.
I had a lovely time up in town, we went for such a long walk on Sat. afternoon that I got an enormous blister on my
heel (really because I did not wear my tried & true walking shoes but ones that I have not been acquainted with so
long) in the evening we went to an address by Mr. Cox at Catford he was splendid, then he came to the Heys' for the
weekend, and all the times I've been there with him I've never heard him so hilarious- he simply kept us all in fits of
mirth - (he even suggested at one meal that Mr. Wall wanted ME for
his 3rd wife!) he spoke at Chelsea Sunday evening - he was quite good - but his address on Sat night was by far the
best.
Our Sunday School treat went off beautifully last night, there were a lot of mothers to the lantern lecture although
it was a very rough blizzardy night and they & the children thoroughly enjoyed it. Miss Bridle thought the pictures
were very cleverly done by a very good h'artist! - to tell the truth they were rather antiquated! the story was called
'Erics Good News' in the middle Horace gave the usual supt. word and I then distributed the prizes & presents. I
only said something to each child but omitted the pat of the head! (I hope I looked staid and very heavy!) after the
lantern lecture was over they had the oranges & nuts and then adjourned to snowball fight before wending their way
homewards (Tom & Jack were down from Danbury & some others) so the two boys were aiding the fight until John went back
and fetched them after he had brought us home. As we can't play games in that Chapel because the floor rocks we had
singing Proverbs only we made it rhymes, - while the lantern was being fixed up - & we made a glorious noise, simply
deafening - also 'I spy', & whispering and then everybody raked up all the riddles they knew (silly & otherwise) and
they caused good fun.-
A most exciting thing happened in this village last night - a shop was burnt down! (one that the people don't live
in) so instead of having break this morning we all donned our clothes and went off to look at the smouldering ruins of
the aforesaid shop - Mary came and met us with our toboggan so the children had in turns pulling each other on it and
then it was so glorious out in the snow that when we got back we threw lessons to the winds & had a snowball battle on
the tennis court! it was between the brown & black knights, and it waxed very furious, when it was time to go home we
could not decide who really had won so it may be continued tomorrow - if theres any snow left - the country looks
lovely with the sun shining on the snow but I'm afraid its thawing.
I must tell you this one story about one of my children - Lorna (she's my baby (41/2) cannot speak quite plainly yet
(we are all very thrilled when she wins a victory & gets another word right!) went home the other morning & told her
sister, who is ill so is away this week, where we had got to in the 'Pilgrim's Progress' (we read a little every
morning just after Prayers and would you believe it - they all love it) so the next morning her Grandma asked her where
we were in the book so Lorna looked up at her very sweetly & solemnly & said "We have just got to the Valley of Seth."
I must stop this now or you will get fed up hearing about the children and my light talk. I really believe I meant
to tell you a lot more but the time has gone and this is too long now.
I must just tell you this - Cecil may be up on Friday to go for a day's shooting with Father or Saturday & so will
stay the weekend - isent that great?
Yours
still bearing up
Doris
P.S. Did you know I'm curious & critical?
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 11th. February 1932
My dear Doris,
Just a few lines before I run off to the meeting. Mr. Turner is giving four addresses this month on the Book of
Malachi. The first was last Thursday, and I enjoyed it very much indeed. The subject was the Basis of all Blessing,
and he spoke on Chapter 1 verse 2. "I have loved you saith the Lord". The unchanging and unmerited love of God is
the spring of all our blessing. It was very beautiful, so you will understand that I am looking forward to the second
address to-night.
Now how are you keeping? I do trust you had a happy time last evening at Woodham Walter. Who distributed the
prizes? Mr. Wall!!!! I had an invitation to speak to the Harrow Sunday School at their Tea & Prize giving next
Saturday, but I declined. As a matter of fact there are only 20 children, so I suggested they should get someone a
little nearer. It is 1 3/4 hours journey each way. I hope I was not lacking in love or zeal, but really it did seem
a long way to fetch a speaker, when there must be many others near at hand.
How is school going? Did Mary get on allright while you were away? I suppose there are not sufficient children
in Danbury for you to enlarge your borders at all. Or perhaps you find seven as many as you can manage.
I returned to my Greek class last evening. It is very interesting. It is wonderful what fine shades of meaning
can be distinguished in the conjunction of Greek verbs. There is nothing approaching it in English. Our tutor is a
very nice man, and always opens the class with prayer. I believe he runs an independent mission down at
Kingston-on-Thames or somewhere in that direction. The class has shrunk to three now, so it is really very good of
him to carry on. I wish I knew it as well as he does.
I have applied for membership of the London Insurance Institute, and have sent in an application for exemption from
the Preliminary Exam of the Chartered Insurance Institute. That is just an ordinary school exam, from which you can
obtain exemption if you have passed Matric. I think my boss is pleased I have made up my mind to go in for it, so I
have taken good care to put it in writing so that he shall have my own note continually before him. I don't intend
that he shall forget.
Well! tomorrow evening it is our Aldersgate Meeting, and on Lord's Day evening I am due at Ilford once more. So I
must see about some preparation on Saturday. There is nothing else on. I do hope you will enjoy yourself to the
full at Woodford on Saturday. Tell John not to let his consumption of S.R.'s exceed 6. I must see what I can do
with the photographer on Saturday afternoon. I hope his camera is insured, that's all. Or I may have to buy him a
new one. It really is an awful ordeal, but I shall be buoyed up in double measure by the same thought that you were
kind enough to say sustained you. I wonder what he'll do to make me smile.
Well! I think that is about all for the present. I am off to the meeting for a spiritual refill. One needs
extra comfort in these long days when we seem so near and yet so far away. Still we've got a weekend coming. That
is something to cheer one up.
So good-bye
Very much love from
Your affectionate
Ernest
[Included with the above is a small leaflet advertising the addresses by Mr. Turner.]
Pantiles,
Danbury. 12.2.32
Dearest, I have started this letter like this because I have decided that you are that to me.
A friend of mine who knows about us said something the other day that made me realise that without you now my life
would be a terrible blank (I will tell you one day what it was.) Continually thinking about you and having your
letters and the small times we have spent together have made me get to know you - and love you. It was after having
your letter this morning that I made up my mind to write and tell you at once, so there it is - I love you.
You have been terribly patient and sweet to me, and I don't feel half worthy of you but you do love me still don't
you?
I am quite by myself this afternoon as Mother & Mary have gone up to town shopping and Father has gone up on
business, Tom & Eileen are supposed to be imbibing knowledge at school - as I look out of the window it simply calls me
out, as the sun is shining on a white countryside - but Grandma is my charged today so I cannot leave the house.
You must never want me to get too many children in my school, I think I could enjoy having 10 perhaps but probably
on those I should get cross, snappy, grey haggard and old - a proper school marm - now I do enjoy those I have. Next
term I'm expecting another, but I'm pleased about that as any of my three big ones may have at any time now and go on
to a bigger school. My schoolroom isent really big enough for more than 8, - next term we do a lot of lessons out of
doors so it won't be too bad.
This morning at 1/4 to 12 we all put on our fighting clothes and adjourned to the tennis court again for an half
hours battle between the Greeks and Trojans! - we all waxed very warm in the battle and ended up by calling a truce and
getting out the toboggan and went off to a hill & had great fun on that. we simply had to make the most of the snow
when it did come! so singing & poetry went to the winds this morning.
A telegram came this morning from Cecil to say he isent well so won't be up for the weekend its very disappointing
as he does not come very often and its so jolly when he is here.
We shall be able to see each other before the weekend (its only the 3rd after this one) won't we? - I shall think of
you on Sunday evening again (special thinking) John, I believe is speaking here.
With much love
Yours
Doris
[So Mother took 21/2 months to make up her mind]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 14th February, 1932
My darling Doris,
How can I thank you sufficiently for the letter I received from you yesterday in which you tell me that you have
decided to honour me
with your love. How good of the Lord to work this grace in you, for the more I think of you the more unworthy I feel.
I can only hope the Lord will make me worthy of the great treasure He has given me.
I am not forgetting your very kind and long letter of the previous day, but the joy of that has been eclipsed, and
the one that greeted my return home yesterday morning sent me straight up to the seventh heaven and has kept me there
ever since. I only wish you were here now so that I could put my arm around your neck and give you a kiss of real
sincere heart-felt gratitude for your gracious love.
Yes, Doris, I love you still, only much more dearly than I did. For I know you so much better now. And the
sweetest part of my joy is the knowledge that we both love the Lord, and the assurance that it is your desire as well
as my own that our devotion to one another may strengthen and deepen our devotedness to the One who died for us. For
we must not forget, must we, that however full our cup of joy down here - a cup which we will ever receive as from Him
and thank Him for - yet our deepest blessings are those which flow on into eternity and are the fruit of His travail at
Calvary.
So we must now pray that the Lord will seal our coming together by making us increasingly useful in His service.
What joy it will bring to us both if through our joint labours some soul is brought to know Him, or if the Lord's own
people are cheered and comforted through our lives. As I have said before I feel that nothing else in life really
matters, and I know you feel the same. So may we work and pray together.
Yes, we will meet before the weekend long looked for when I am due at Danbury. Next Saturday afternoon and evening
are free. It is just possible I may have the morning off as well. But as that is uncertain, we will leave it out of
account. Shall I come down to Chelmsford, or will you come up to London? Or, how would it be if, for a change, we
met at Shenfield or somewhere like that where we could go for a good long walk into the country? I see there is a
train from Chelmsford at 1.47 p.m. getting to Shenfield at 2.5, and the 1.33 p.m. from Liverpool Street would get me to
Shenfield at 2.17 p.m. Still that is only a suggestion in case you should not have anything else in mind.
The sermon I was proposing to write out last evening fled from me. My mind was too full of something else. And,
by the way, I have undertaken to do the Recapitulation of Friday's meeting to be read out next Friday. So there will
be plenty to do during the week. I thoroughly enjoyed last Friday's meeting. The last few verses of Romans viii are
amongst the richest in the whole Word of God. What a comfort to know that there is nothing which can separate us from
the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Well! Doris I still feel too full to write any more now. And I must get off to Ilford. All the news about your
school is full of interest to me. I so enjoy reading of your doings. May the Lord bless your faithful witness to
those tender young hearts.
Goodbye, my darling,
Ever so much love from
Your unworthy but grateful
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 15th February, 1932
My darling Doris,
Just a line to let you know that I had quite a nice time at Ilford last evening. My thoughts having been at
Danbury all day long very nearly, it was not unnatural that I should speak on the subject that I reserved tentatively
in my mind for Danbury on March 6. So I had better not tell you now what it was, or it will be stale by then. Still
I may change my mind before then. There's this awful three weeks to wait before I come down.
On my way home I called in to have supper with Fred & Helen. I usually do, as a matter of fact, if I go out
preaching. For the fourth time this year the preacher booked for Enfield has disappointed us at the last moment.
Last evening we were expecting the celebrated Mr. Pinchback of Bow fame. But he had to go to bed with flu'. So a
local brother spoke, an ex-policeman. He has never been known to speak without making some reference to his 24 years
in the Police Force. I forgot to ask Fred what the reference to it was last night.
On a previous occasion one of his sons - Sidney Cross - took his father to task about it before the preaching, and
told him we had all heard quite enough about his 24 years in the Police Force. But it was no good. In the middle
father burst out something like this - "Before I came here to-night my son told me not to say anything about my 24
years in the Police Force. But I told him I was going to speak as I felt led." And then it all came out again.
Meanwhile, poor Sidney, seated in the front, turned as red as a beetroot, while most of the frivolous young people were
trying to choke their laughter. Poor Sidney, he won't tackle his father again about it.
I have a curious boy in my class. I can't quite understand him. I spoke to them about the paralytic borne of
four and let down through the roof to be healed. And this boy laughed the whole afternoon. Each fresh detail of the
story that I mentioned sent him off into a fresh fit of laughter. And when it came to the crucial moment when the man
was being let down, I thought the boy would have gone into hysterics. I have never come across anything like it
before. If I told them the story of Jonah, I should certainly have to ask his mother to be in attendance outside
ready to rush him off to the Doctor at a moment's notice. Very strange it was!
Well, my dear, it's time to go to the Prayer Meeting. I've got something to thank the Lord for to-night secretly,
have I not?
So good-bye, once again,
Ever so much love
from your grateful
Ernest
**********
Bristol House
Danbury,
Essex. 15th Feb. 1932
My dear Ernest,
I was pleased to have your news this morning, and trust you may be a joy and a help to one another, and to others
through you both. I am gratified to be your confidant, and shall regard your letters as private intelligence, so long
as you wish it.
35
The article you mention was the substance of a little address I gave last summer which some wised to have in print.
But I am glad if you found it helpful.
The recapitulations you can keep until Friday as I am not ready for it. I am sorry there is no fuller report as I
feel some points were missed by our brother Cuaduet [?].
You may like to have the enclosed reprint of C.H.M.'s letter on "The Bethesda Question".
Yours affectionately in Christ
W.J. Hocking
Pantiles,
Danbury. 17.2.32
Dearest,
At last I can write to you peacefully - Monday & Tuesday are always such busy days that its so nice to get to
Wednesday for a breathing space!
Monday is the only afternoon the children come back to school so I'm always tied that day and last Monday I went out
to tea directly school was over then on to the meeting & Tuesday afternoon is music day & then the meeting in the
evening so you see how those days are filled up.
I was overjoyed with the letter I had on Monday, it was a terrible job to keep my mind anchored on school things
it would try & float away on clouds.
About Saturday - I will go to Shenfield on the train you say then should we go on to Southend and have a good blow
along the front? As theres miles to walk and the pier, which is a ripping one to go on because its so long, so its
very jolly walking down it - its quite good going there now as its not crowded like it is so terribly in the summer,
if the train you will be on goes on I will join it at Shenfield, but if you would much prefer the country, say so and
we will try and find a decent walk round Shenfield. Supposing it pours I will come up to London as theres such a lot
to see there - please don't laugh at all my ideas!
John & I had a topping time at the party on Saturday it was one of the best I've ever been to, it was so well
run, there were 54 there and the games went marvellously - I will tell you about it when I see you.
On Monday during Scripture lesson I asked Margaret what David took from king Saul when he went to his camp while
Saul and all the soldiers were asleep. "His spear and hot water bottle" she promptly replied - !!
We had a good time at the girls meeting last night and there were a good crowd there Mrs Arthur Robinson spoke on
Ruth 1, so that stops me from having your little word on that next time I speak. Father & Mother went over to
Lindsell on Monday afternoon as Father spoke to the Mothers over there. Father did not turn up in time for the Prayer
Meeting and as the time went on did not come in so directly it was over Mary & I rushed home and they had just arrived
- we were thankful as we had nearly got to picture them upside down in a ditch! they had run out of petrol a good way
from a garage and hadent a spare can so Father had to walk some distance and get some, we were glad it was nothing
else.
My blister is still with me & reminds me of its existence in the mornings when I try & put my shoe on, and in the
evening when I suppose it thinks it needs another rest! - but still it really is on
mend.
Mother has gone to Bristol House to tea so Mary & I have the lounge to ourselves, - I must top this now as its 4
oclock and my poor hens haven't had their tea, and I'm the person who serves it so goodbye my dear
Lots of love
Doris
Enfield
Thursday evening
My darling Doris,
Many thanks for your dear letter. So glad to hear all the news about you. Your suggestion for Saturday is the
very thing. How enjoyable it will be if the weather is like to-day's.
I will be on the 1.50 p.m. train for Southend which arrived Shenfield @ 2.21 p.m. I will be about the middle of the
train & will look out for you. That will give me an extra 17 minutes for dinner, and save me from indigestion.
Should it be wet I will look for you at Liverpool St. by the train which leaves Chelmsford at 1.24 and arrives in
London at 2.4 p.m. But I think it is going to keep fine.
Am so sorry this letter will not catch the post, but when I arrived home I found Mr. Turner here to tea. And we
had to rush off to the meeting. However you will get this letter on Saturday morning, and I will send a message by
John if I see him to-morrow evening.
That was a very amusing answer of your little Margaret. But it was quite good - just what one would expect from a
little tot. Fred once asked a little boy what was meant by the fords of Jordan. And of course the little chap
immediately thought of a celebrated American make of car, and replied accordingly.
Am longing for Saturday to come. I have proof of a photograph. When I saw it a line from Shakespeare in 'The
Merchant of Venice' came unbidden to my mind.
"What's here? the portrait of a blinking idiot!" Probably you will form a more charitable judgement.
However, it is just on midnight. So goodbye my previous,
Ever so much love,
Ernest
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 21st. February 1932
My darling Doris,
Have been hoping that you got home quite safely last evening after our lovely time together in the afternoon. Did
you catch your connection? I arrived home about 11.30 p.m. - extra late because there had been a breakdown on the
line somewhere near Enfield which held up our train.
More than once did I smile on the way home when I remembered the awful shock I gave you when we sat down to tea.
But I hope a good night's rest has completely restored you. I have no doubt whatever as to your love for me, my dear,
nor as to your father's favour, but I never like to presume upon the kindness of even my best friends by omitting any
formality that is right and proper. So you can see what a queer mortal I am, and how plucky you are to love me.
I must confess that I spent some minutes this morning trying to imagine the expression on your face when you met
your uncle and his family. How did you get on? What with one thing and another that little excursion into Boots'
provided a series of shocks. And then seeing Mr. Morris too! Our matrimonial tie [fire? illegible] will have a
flavouring of romance after all.
What a lot we talked over. It may seem a little early to be thinking of making plans for the future. But after
all, now that we are lovers and hope D.V. to be companions, we must not let too much precious time slip away! And I
think it is always a help to have some fairly definite goal to work for. Dreaming is, I fear, a weakness of mine, and
I know you have a very practical mind. Thank God for that. Still we must pray earnestly for the Lord's guidance.
Perhaps when I come down for the weekend we shall be able to have a little time quietly together somewhere and we can
thank the Lord together for bringing us to one another and commit our future to Him.
While I am writing this I expect you are on your way to Woodham Walter. Horace won't be long in guessing who the
speaker for March 6 is, though I think you probably succeeded in keeping him off the scent for some time. Anyhow it
does not matter now. I shall let them know here next week D.V.
Mr. Cox was at the meeting this morning. I had not sufficient courage to say anything to him. I thought I would
wait and see whether he asked me any curious questions. But he didn't. So I shall have to write to him a little
later on.
Well! my darling, I don't think there is much news. You had it all yesterday - what there was of it, and I am
afraid I did most of the talking again. Shall think of you more and more as the days go by. Can honestly say I love
your more, and shall look forward to our weekend together. Even now I am looking forward to the day when we shall
crown our happiness and begin our little adventure together across the ocean of life. Is that the way to put it?
You'll begin to think I am going to use my love letters for the practice of word-spinning.
The clock has just struck 2.30 p.m. so I must be off to school. I wonder if my little chap has got over his
hysteria. I must take something more sober to-day, or I'll have complaints from his mother.
So Good-bye my sweetheart,
Ever so much love from
Your affectionate but still unworthy
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 22nd. Feb.1932
Dearest Doris,
Just a hurried line to show you I am still thinking about you. Had quite a nice time at Ilford last evening.
Good number present. Did not feel quite as free as usual. But still I was encouraged by hearing afterwards that one
or two strangers were present. So do trust the word may be fruitful.
On my there I met a man in the train who was a real genuine doubter of the old sort - a typical strict Baptist. He
really and sincerely believed that it was wrong to speak as though we were sure of heaven. His greatest consolation
seemed to be that he felt the plague of his own heart. I have met him before, and reasoned with him. But he seems
afraid to look away from himself. Poor man! he
looked glum enough. I hope I may have done him a bit of good. I gave him a tract.
I had a look at the Thames in my lunch hour to-day, and wished I cold have got onto a raft or something of the sort
and floated down to Southend and met you at the end of the pier. Our lovely time together went all too soon on
Saturday. Do hope your blister did not take a fresh lease of life.
Did you have a happy day yesterday? Do hope you weren't too tired. We had Mr. Cox here for the day. He gave us
a very searching word in the morning on the last three verses of 1 Thess 1. He spoke of the effect in our lives of
the truth of waiting for God's Son from heaven if we realised it fully. How it would energise us and close our hearts
to the world and its ways. S.S. went off allright. My hysterical boy was there, but seemed fairly sober. I spoke
on the raising of Jairus' daughter. When I came to the part about the hired mourners and them wailing I saw I was
getting very near the edge again. But he managed to stifle his amusement just in time.
Well my ducky bird I must run off to the Meeting. Mother has gone on ahead so I must catch her up if I can.
Ever so much love
from your affectionate
Ernest
Pantiles,
Danbury. 23.2.32
Darling,
Here are some notes and your sermon that you wanted back.
I caught the train jolly well on Saturday and the family nearly exploded when I told them who ran into us - it was
so funny because on Sunday morning we were very calm and now I don't know if they actually saw us or not! Of course I
feel they did so we are all acting beautifully!
I knew you would have to have an interview with Father some time, or I'm sure Father would have wanted to see you
but I suppose I looked so surprised because you sprang it on me rather suddenly - you go so fast!
Eileen & I walked down to Sunday School on Sunday as she came to give Miss Bridle a rest. - poor old Aunt Bri was
right down in the dumps & would simply not be raised by any efforts of Eileen, Horace or I! everything was going
wrong and she is shortly leaving this scene I felt so exasperated that I nearly said to her Cheerio!! poor old dear
she can't help it, my bus goes in exactly five minutes so Goodbye.
Love from Doris
P.S. When you come for the weekend I hope that you will want to kiss me as you are supposed to be my lover!
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 23/2/32
My darling Doris,
Just a few lines more on my return from the Dentists and Photographers. So you see I have had a double dose the
same evening! The Dentist made me squirm a bit when he used his drill on a decayed tooth. But I agree with you that
mental torture is worse than physical. I am just longing to see your photograph. It's a good thing we don't keep
any incense in this house.
We seem to be getting gradually nearer our weekend together, but oh! it does seem a dreadful long way off. And
then that stupid business at Chatham next Saturday! Oh dear! what ever made me say I'd go. My own personal vanity I
suppose. So I've got to pay for it this time. I expect the question this time will be as to whether cats or mice
have souls, or whether Methuselah ate potted lobster in his 960th year, and if so whether there is any evidence of his
having suffered from indigestion. I await the next with considerable interest and wonder.
How as Mrs. Harrison this afternoon? I think I shall have to stake a claim for a part share in the credit attaching
to your success in that exam in December. I stood to be hung, drawn and quartered had you failed. But the other way
round does not appear to have worked. However I've no doubt my best policy is to keep in her good books for the
present at any rate.
Is all Danbury alive with the news? I feel half afraid to come near the place. They will look at me as though I
were a robber, come to rob them of their brightest jewel. Still I don't care what they say when I know you love me.
Well now I must put the cork in, or I shall lose the post. And I must slip up to Fred's first for some notes to
send off. Young Douglas is a little Eel. But he'll soon be able to hold his own with Eileen. Being the eldest in
the family - and a girl too - she will need a rate lot of - !!! Hush! I'm quite forgetting whom I am writing to.
So goodbye and goodnight once again my dearest. My thoughts are often at Danbury.
Ever so much love from
your sober
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 24th February, 1932
My darling Doris,
Many thanks, my darling, for the lovely portrait which greeted my return home this evening. I believe I got up
this morning, I believe I went to work, I believe I spent the morning and afternoon at the office, I believe I went to
the Greek class and came home in the train - but I can't be quite sure of anything for the moment. It is a lovely
picture. How I shall treasure it. You look the picture of everything good I can think of - sobriety included.
Many, many, many, many, thanks.
So glad to hear you arrived home safely on Saturday. I guess the family did laugh. So did mine. Of course they
must have seen us. It was good of them to move off, very considerate.
I suppose I do go too fast in some things, and too slow in others. I wanted to kiss you the moment I saw you on
Saturday. So I did during our meander on the front, and on the way back to Shenfield. Still we had one beauty before
we parted - the earnest of many more to come D.V. Forgive my lack of courage won't you.
Well duckybird! this seems a very short letter in reply to such a lovely present. But I want to leave room at the
bottom of the sheet for the best I can do through the Post. Is there such a thing as kissing by wireless? Never
heard of it! But one never know what will come next in this scientific age.
So once more goodbye and goodnight
Ever so much love from
Your devoted
Ernest
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
I'll have to have a rubber stamp made to do these.
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 25/2/32
My dearest,
Thought I would just drop you a line to say how very pleased mother was with the portrait. She was out at Fred's
when I got home last evening, so had not seen it when I wrote you. She was charmed with it and sat looking at it for
a good 5 minutes. The only criticism she made was that your expression was a little on the severe side. Maybe it
is, but it is excellent. I am delighted to have it. Mother laughed when I went into the sitting room to have a look
(hurried) at it before I left this morning.
You are already in mother's good books, for two reasons at least. You'll laugh when I tell you what they are.
First because you address me as "Mr." instead of "Esq.". Mother has a very strong objection to the latter and thinks
"Mr." is much more dignified an sensible. By the way I did not show her how the envelope enclosed with the photo was
addressed. She would have added an adjective in the middle To the...fortunate...Old Boy.
Then secondly she likes the way you do your hair. Isn't she dreadfully personal. And I am worse for telling you.
But there that is exactly what she said. So now you know.
As a matter of fact, her experience is the same as mine. She likes you more and more each time she hears about
you.. She is longing to see you, so you must not be long before you put in an appearance at Enfield. We'' have to
see to that.
Have just come from the Dentist again. Had a second tooth stopped. It only shows that a lot of badness there is
in me.
Well, my duckie, have only l5 minutes for a cup of tea & get to the meeting so will not stop for more now. Shall
think of you much over the weekend. I feel very fed up at having to go to Chatham on Saturday. But it can't be
helped. Leonard has declined on the
ground that he was too busy. I ought to have done the same. Only my conscience would have reminded me that my
business (out somewhere with you) was flavoured with rather a strong element of pleasure. Still, I'll have my own
back the weekend after.
Goodbye and goodnight my darling,
Tons of love from
Your devoted
Ernest
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Can't do any more, haven't got the rubber stamp yet
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 26th. February, 1932
My darling Doris,
I am only going to bother you with one more letter this week. As I can't see you to talk to, I must do the next
best thing and write. It was just as well that I did not suggest running down to Chelmsford to have a peep at you
this evening, because I couldn't possible have got away. Being the end of the month, we are extra busy. I expected
we should be, so had to exercise considerable self-restraint. All the same I wish I were with you now.
We had a glorious address from Mr. Turner last evening. It was the last of the series, and, I think, the best.
He is a man I love very much, because I believe he is sincere and true-hearted. But I don't think it would do for us
to be near together for very long. We are opposite temperaments. He is quick and has something of the frenchman's
fire. I am more phlegmatic. I'm afraid I don't easily forgive him for enticing me to Chatham to-morrow. If her
were taken ill to-morrow - which is highly improbable, and the meeting had to be cancelled - which is the next most
unlikely thing in the world, I should have to counteract (?) my disappointment by a flying visit to a little village in
Essex, perched high on a hill, where I have a very dear friend whose christian name begins with the same letter as the
name of the village. There's a sentence for your children to analyse. I suppose they haven't got to the torturing
age yet. One of the questions that Turner tells me Jack Pettman is going to raise is the apparent contradiction
between what John the Baptist said so definitely as to himself in John i.21, denying that he was Elias, and what the
Lord said just as definitely in Matt xi.l4, where he affirms that John the Baptist is Elias. It is an interesting
point. And, for a wonder, it is a question worth discussing. Jack must be improving.
We leave Cannon St by the 1.40 p.m., and I am supposed to meet Henry Dudley, Raleigh Wright & Turner for lunch in
the A.B.C. in Ludgate Hill as soon as possible after 1 o'clock. Well, it's like having a tooth out - the sooner it's
over, the better. I am afraid my heart won't be there. It will be with you, my darling.
Don't forget us at Ilford on Lord's Day evening, will you, my pet. I have been fearfully lazy this month. Have
not written a single sermon - except of course, what I write you. But one could scarcely deliver those in public.
Shall think of you on Lord's Day. Shall look forward to a lovely walk with you over to W.W. on the Lord's Day
afternoon I am at Danbury D.V.
By the way, I must leave you to make arrangements for the Saturday afternoon and evening. If I get the morning off
I will come down by the 10.3 from Liverpool St. If not it will have to be the 1.30 p.m., and I shall get my lunch on
the train.
Well, my dearest, I don't know that I have much more to say now. I must sit down and have a quiet read to-night,
or I shall have nothing to speak on at Ilford. I do truly long to see you again, and to have you near me. So we
must look forward to next week. What a long way off it seems, and what a long time coming. But we'll make the best
of it when it does. I am very exercised as to what to preach on. Will there be backsliders there?
Have you heard this
There are many kinds of love, as many kinds of light;
And every kind of love sheds a radiance in the night;
There is love that cheers the heart,
There is love that gives it rest;
But the love that leads life upwards
Is the noblest and the best.
Such is your love, my dearest. May God bless you abundantly.
Well! now I've run quite dry. So has my pen very nearly. Do hope you will get this letter before the weekend.
And if you do may it cheer your loving heart.
Heaps of love from
The Old Boy
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 28th February 1932
My darling Doris,
Once again the weekend has come and very nearly gone. So I must show you that I am thinking of you by writing you
a few lines.
Do so wonder how you have been getting on since we met last. Life is full for us both just now. But the same
loving Father watches over us both. So we can always remember one another at the throne of grace, can't we. Do
trust you are well and taking care of your dear self.
The little excursion to Chatham went off allright. I am afraid I travelled down with rather a heavy heart, because
I was away from the one I love when I might have been with her. But still I went because I felt it was a little
service to the Lord. And the word Turner gave in the evening cheered me up considerably. He spoke on the 13th. and
14th. verses of Psalm 77. God's way is in the sanctuary, that is to say the secret of God's ways is learned in
communion with Him. Psalm 73 verses 16-17 have often been a comfort to me. There is so much in the world and in our
own circumstances which seems to defy explanation. Why does God allow it? On the sanctuary we understand, for God's
ways are perfect, and He withholdeth nothing good from them that walk uprightly.
Then in verse 19 God's ways are in the sea, that is to say God moves often without leaving any trace of his
movements. A man walking on the short leaves footprints to show the way he has gone. But the ways of him who walks
in the sea are untraceable. That too is a great comfort because it shows that God has a way that he is taking even
though we cannot always trace it.
The address cheered me very much. You know, my darling, I feel God did give me very definite guidance as to you.
I believe his gracious leading has brought us together. Did I tell you of a little incident that happened the same
week that I cam down to your house last September? If not I must tell you some time when we have a little quite
together. I have often thanked God for it.
Our discussion in the afternoon was not too bad. We began on the question I told you. Then we got round to the
3rd. John, and considered the old question as to who spoke John iii.16, the Lord or John the Evangelist, and who
uttered the last two verses of the chapter, John the Baptist or John the Evangelist. So I think it was fairly
profitable. At any rate it was an improvement for Jack to raise something worth talking about. We finished up by
talking over some of the arguments against Mary worship. I don't quite know how the subject cam up. But we got
talking about the Roman Catholic beliefs, and that gave rise to it. W.G.T. said that it was quite late in the history
of the Church, about the eleventh century I believe, when the worship of the Virgin Mary began. But it's blasphemy.
I got home about 10.30 p.m. I returned alone as all the others were spending the weekend down there. I was glad
of the quiet. On the way down I was asking Henry Dudley what he thought of a certain Mr. Pinchback. He said he was
a very nice fellow and would appeal to me particularly because he too is a hardened bachelor. So I had one good laugh
up my sleeve.
We had a very nice meeting this morning. There's nothing so sweet as the breaking of bread is there? The first
15 verses of Deuteronomy were read, about the bringing of the basket of first fruits.
How I would love to see you to-day and to be trotting off with you to Woodham Walter. I am looking forward so much
to the weekend. Today I must rest content with a good look at the dear photo. I think mother has a good look at it
pretty often. It was kind of you to have it done so well.
Well! It is nearly time for Sunday School. And then I'm off again to Ilford this evening. Do not feel too well
prepared for it. But must count on the Lord for strength. I am hoping to meet my strict Baptist friend again on the
train and am thinking of giving him a copy of "Safety, Certainty and Enjoyment" to read. But I'm not sure that he's
not one of those who are never so happy as when they are miserable. Have you ever met one of that type. They want
ducking periodically. And yet I think on the whole this man is really genuine. Only it seems so unusual to find a
man like that nowadays. Fifty or sixty years ago they were common enough. But most people to-day are too careless
to be really anxious. May the Lord give me a word for him!
Goodbye my treasure. Give my kindest regards to all, and accept my own warmest love for your own darling self.
Yours lovingly and longingly,
Ernest
Pantiles, [Some amusing pictures of
Danbury. 2.3.32 stick people caught in a
high wind]
My dear Man,
Its just like spring here today after three terribly blustery days heralding March, it seems so peaceful now the
cold wind has left us although it was great fun out in it - (very good exercise!)
Thankyou for your daily talks. I've loved them - we ought to have a very jolly time on Saturday as we want to try
& plan to all go out for a walk or driving - isent it great Cecil, Inez & June may be here as well so we shall be a
lovely houseparty - Cecil is just getting over his second illness so we want him up for a little change - none of our
relations know he may come yet as want to surprise them all - they'll be so pleased to see him. Uncle gave out in a
very cold & solemn voice last Sunday evening that "Mr. Pettman of London was preaching here next Sunday"! so anyway
everybody now knows you will be here to preach - I'm not sure about anything else! - I don't think I shall shriek if
you overstep your time because that might startle the poor congregation too much, but if you do seem a bit longwinded I
thought I would let forth a heart rending sigh and then you could hurriedly wind up. Father thought it was very bad
being so long last Sunday, but you need not worry here because I'll remind you.
Father & Mary went off this morning to Lindsell to help get ready for the Baptism over there this evening the rest
are leaving here at 4.15 sad to relate I can't go because of Grandma as the people we generally have in cannot come
today so I shall be quite alone this evening until James comes home.
The car was lent to me yesterday as I had to go to W. Walter before my music lesson then I drove over to see Norman
as he fixed something on it, then into the town & Tom & Eileen came home with me. Last Wednesday we went for a drive
to see someone at a very interesting place near Braintree while Mother & Mary went to see the woman Father & I
explored a charming old old church very small & quaint, we were told that Cromwell was supposed to have spent the night
in it with some of his soldiers- there were some of his men buried there - so it may be true, we drove home through
Silver End a very new place with ultra modern houses & shops, you felt as if you were in a foreign land so they were so
different from our charming houses (at least some of them) Mary & I lothed the place & were glad to leave it - I do
like modern houses but not to that extent - Father thought they were rather good, but we like something very pretty &
not quite so squarish as they were they were nearly worse than the Victorian, aspedestria [sic] sort of houses!
Last Friday Mary & I drank tea in with the Hockings & had a very lovely musical evening in there. Saturday, my
dear, we drove up to the Y.B. AT gothic. What a pity you weren't there! Mother, Father, Mary, Joan & I went we did
enjoy it, I'm afraid not many young ones asked any questions - but it was very interesting.
We've been discussing you here and this is what the discussion was about - did you take a curate with you to Ilford
because of age creeping on, or to help a young one -! Father is in favour of the latter thing - I say the former,
Mary is neutral & Mother is of Fathers opinion - so you see you have the majority who think kindly of you!!
Mary spoke at the girls meeting last night and we had 3 more new girls so its very cheering we've nearly finished
the missionary work
we are going to do this winter, so shall not start any fresh until next Autumn (Tom is trying to read this through the
window - he is also sucking sweets of a black description by the look of his teeth!) - (he's just poked me a piece
through the fanlight & its chocolate such as my soul loveth.)
I could write a lot more but I'm going to stop, as I seem to be in a very frivolous mood (perhaps to do with the
coming weekend) and may shock my dear old boy -! By the way Eileen will probably take 3 years to train before she can
think of taking my school -!- what about that -! Love from your giddy
Wummeren [?]
(Scotch for woman in case you are ignorant of it)
(at least I believe it is.)
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 2nd. March, 1932
My darling Doris,
there are three or four letters I must write before the post leaves in an hour's time, but yours shall be the first.
It was 10 to 9 when I left the city last night, but this evening I bolted at 6.15. The late work will I hope soon
be over.
I think I did mention the train I should be on on Saturday, but cannot say definitely yet whether I shall have the
morning off. I may not now till the last moment, but will drop you a line from the City on Friday evening so that you
get it by the first post Saturday. So that the previous arrangement can stand unless of course I hear anything
different from you in the meantime.
I want to get away from the office promptly on Friday, as that is mother's birthday. So I must try and spend the
evening with her. Her birthday is always a little sad to her because it is the anniversary of dear father's
home-going. That was twenty-two years ago. It hardly seems possible.
On returning home this evening, I received a letter Mr. Boon of Ilford which was a real cheer to me. The Lord knew
how badly in need of it I was too. He always writes very warmheartedly, and always makes you feel you are really
welcome. You will think it rather conceited of me to show you the letter, but I must try and share my joys with you,
must I not? So I am enclosing the letter which you can give me back when we meet. I shouldn't dream of showing it
to anyone else.
How near our weekend is drawing now! It seems an age waiting for it. But fortunately I have been too busy to
trouble much about it. Still I do look forward to it more than I can say. Then I shall be able to hear how you have
been getting on all this long time.
Well I don't know that I have any more news just now. Am longing to see you.
Don't forget to pray about Lord's Day afternoon and evening, will you.
Goodnight my dearest,
Warmest love from
Your unworthy
Old Boy
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 3rd. March, 1932
My dearest Doris,
Your lovely letter, which hurried me home at double speed this evening, reminded me of Proverbs 25.25 So glad you
are still finding plenty to do and see. I am exceedingly pleased at the prospect of seeing Cecil, and of making the
acquaintance of his wife and offspring. I have not seen them yet. Cecil will be able to take my place on Sunday
evening in the rostrum.
Well! darling, our weekend is nearly here. Unless anything happens in the meantime - in which case I would
telephone John - I shall be down by the 10 o'clock train on Saturday morning. If the extra company is going to make
you busy, don't trouble to come into Chelmsford. If you are not there, I will come straight up to "Pantiles".
Will not stop for more now. Thanks ever so much for your letter. I just long to see you again. Life is a dull
affair now without you to talk to.
Fondest love from
Your affectionate
Ernest
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 7/3/32
My own darling Doris,
Having descended rather abruptly from the skies, I must write you a line to say that we arrived up in town safely
and in good time this morning. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the weekend. It was just too lovely for words to
be with you. How exceedingly kind and loving you were. You can't imagine what your love means to me. I suppose my
temperament must be a bit perverse, because I find it so difficult to make friends. And to find that there is one who
really loves and understands me is now the greatest earthly joy I have. May the Lord make me worthy of your priceless
love, my darling.
I didn't tell you last night when we were speaking about it, but when I so nearly went wrong when I first began to
work, it was the love of our dear brother that saved me. Real true love beats me every time. I can hold my own as a
rule when it is a question of arguing and justifying myself. But real love breaks me down and leaves me as weak as a
child. I am not sure that that does not amount to a weakness with me. If so it does not matter much, because I
seldom meet anyone who really cares for me deeply. So I do thank God for your love Doris. I don't deserve it. But
I will try to be worthy of it.
By the way, the other matter which I quite thought your father had mentioned to you, I am asking him to tell you
about as soon as possible. And I do want to say this, that you must feel perfectly free to say exactly what you feel
about it, or to ask any questions you consider needful. Because I love you far too much to hide anything from you
that you feel you ought to know. And I am willing to sacrifice all my own feelings to ensure your happiness. But I
don't suppose Simon Peter ever wanted to talk about the high priest's palace after hid dreadful fall there. The very
mention of it would
have been like a knife stab to him, and I know the bitterness of failure. Still if you feel you ought to say anything
to me about it, please do so whatever the cost to me. I am very earnest with you about this, Doris, because I love
you far too dearly to be satisfied unless I feel you are satisfied. May the Lord guide you.
I seem to have quite a lot to say, but must not stop for more now or I shall miss the post. It has however
occurred to me to ask whether there would be any possibility of your coming down on Lord's Day morning to Enfield,
spending the day with us and then returning with me to Gothic Hall in the evening. I know it is not possible as a
rule to leave friends you are visiting. I was only wondering whether the fact that they are O.B.'s, and busy perhaps
at their own meetings all day, might make any difference. But of course I understand the position and merely throw
out the suggestion in case anything could be done. There is a train which leaves Liverpool Street for Enfield Town at
9.54 a.m. on Lord's Day morning which I would meet at Enfield Town Station if anything should be possible. Anyhow I
must leave it to you entirely. In any event I shall look forward to seeing your dear face in the evening at Gothic
Hall.
Well, dearest, I must stop now. How I wish I could put my arms round you and give you another good hug! If you
love me still after knowing wheat is referred to in this letter, I shall love you more dearly than ever because I shall
find in you the Spirit of Him whose love was unchanged by Simon's atrocious failure.
God bless you, my dearest. All my fondest love and thoughts.
Ever your unworthy but devoted
Ernest
72, Morley Hill, What do you think of the
Enfield, enclosed? You must send one to
Middx. our friend Mr. Wall. Or shall I
send him one anonymously. It's awfully
good I think. How I have laughed at
it. There are quite a number I should
like to send it to.
8th. March, 1932
My very dearest Doris,
How much you have been in my thoughts to-day! I went into the Depot during my lunch hour, and was reminded of what
you said to me on Sunday evening as to the direction in which you thought my attentions were going. I enjoyed another
thorough good laugh when I thought of it. No fear! none of those would do for me - they are a pack of noodles.
I am saying what is strictly true when I say that I have never loved any girl but you - never. I've never found
anyone that appealed to me. I can't stick the empty-headed flappers with nothing but superficial attractions. In
fact what is merely on the surface never gives me a moment's thought. You can buy pretty balloons at Woolworths. I
didn't want to marry a mere face. I wanted - well there's no need to describe that now, because I have found what I
wanted in your own darling self. And as I have said before, the more I know of you the more I love and admire all the
good I find in you. And I am sure I am only just beginning to find that out. I've only just begun to plumb the
depths.
I hope you are trying to make up your mind what sort of a ring you would like. I may have some suggestions when
you have thought about it. Still there is no desperate hurry, is there.
By the way, there are two addresses I should like you to give me, Cecil's and young Clinkscales. I should like to
write to Cecil and see if I cannot cheer him up and suggest one or two ideas to him. And I think too I might be able
to write a line of encouragement to young Jack. His manner on Lord's Day evening encouraged and pleased me immensely.
By the way I quite meant to tell Eileen how pleased I was to hear her name given out on Lord's Day morning. So
perhaps you will tell her that we shall think of her next Lord's Day morning, and trust she will find the greatest joy
in remembering the Lord for the first time. It must be a real cheer to your mother and father to find all their
family growing up in the fear of the Lord.
Dear me, this letter seems to have become sober all of a sudden. You'll never believe that I am writing it. It's
not nearly frivolous enough for me.
The memories of last weekend are still very fresh. And I feel rather disinclined for anything very solid in the
way of work. But I must really tuck into it to-night and get some done. But I thought I would write you first, then
have a good look at the dear portrait, and then steel myself for a little while against the thoughts which rush in like
a flood now whenever my mind is free for a second.
So goodbye my darling once again. Ever such a big hug and kiss,
Yours devotedly,
Ernest
P.S. I hope the weekend kisses were of the right quality and strength. I know they were not numerous enough - for me
at any rate. Goodbye my darling.
Pantiles,
Danbury. 9.3.32
Dearest,
This letter has to be short and sweet! because I have rather a lot on this afternoon. I have to go out and see
somebody then Miss Stokoe & Mrs. Harrison are coming to tea and it must be got before they arrive - you can guess we
are looking forward to some music this evening as it is a rare treat to have Mrs. Harrison here to play to us.
We are just recovering from the lovely weekend we had. Monday morning school went off fairly placidly and I gave
them all a holiday in the afternoon much to their disgust! - they hated it! - and Cecil, Father Inez Mary Tom June & I
went out in the car (Tom took French leave from school in honour of Cecil!) we had a lovely ride and got in about 5.15
in the morning Mother had been out with them all to Bradwell on business - We had a very cosy evening after the Prayer
meeting then on Tuesday morning they packed up and went off Mary has gone with them for a small holiday - you can
imagine they were very packed in the small car what with all the luggage and a human being extra! before I went into
my lesson yesterday afternoon we did a little clearing up and general post of bedrooms again, but it was a very sad job
and we all felt the 'morning after the night beforish'! I missed my bus through leaving rushing up the pot until the
last minute (a failure of mine) so marched over to the yard to get them to feel sad for me and found Father wanted to
go to
Chelmsford so rushed home got out the car with a mighty rise of spirits and Father & I went off together. Eileen came
as well as she came home to lunch because there were no games, after my lesson I was again running to hope to just
catch a bus when a friendly arm was thrust into mine & I gazed down at Tom's smiling face saying to me that Father was
still in the town & was waiting for me - which was awfully nice, so we all got home together & had just time for high
tea before the girls meeting.
I'm very sorry but I can't leave the Clares for Sunday. I've just been thinking they have a country bungalow at
Cranleigh where they go for the weekends sometimes I do hope they haven't it in their minds to drag me down there for
the weekend! it would be a blow!
Jack has just been in with Tom and has told me his address its 11 Southover Terrace
Danbury Common. - he is a nice child
Cecils is 27 Le Brun Road Eastbourne
Father told me last night about that terrible nightmare of yours its like a page from a book and made me feel
simply awful, one can't think why it was allowed to happened - I suppose it was for some lesson - anyway it was a very
hard one.
I've enclosed the very nice letter you had from Mr. Boon I forgot to give it to you while you were here - I havent
any idea about a ring yet but perhaps we could meet some time in the week - before Easter and see about it. I've now
written much more than I meant to so now I must rush off at once- Ernest, I love you well.
Doris
P.S. Mother sends her love
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 10th. March, 1932
My very dearest Doris,
How exceedingly glad I was to receive your loving letter this morning. I was expecting it, so went down the next
road on purpose to stop the postman and make him fork it out. Fortunately he was in a good mood, and it was not
necessary for me to take off my coat to it.
No doubt you did feel the draught when the last of your weekend company went on Tuesday morning. I am not
surprised you gave your pupils a half holiday on Monday. And as for Tommie, what excuse did he make up?
It is so nice to hear of all your escapades. You do keep busy. That's one reason why you are so happy, I
suppose. I hope you had a good time last evening.
Your description of that affair of mine as a 'nightmare' is just about right. It is a grief to me to think you
ever had to hear of it. But I felt it was right you should know, first of all because I love you so dearly, and I
should not like you to feel I wished to hide anything from you. And then, it does to a certain extent govern my
attitude towards those concerned at Enfield, and as I hope to see you here sometimes you really need to be put wise as
to why I go carefully in those directions. Now you will understand my caution and reserve.
How many long hours I have spent wondering why it was allowed to happen! I can only feel that I was so unwilling
to learn the sinfulness and depravity of my own heart that God saw no other way of
teaching me. I only hope God will not have to teach me any other
lesson by such bitter experience. I do wonder often whether it is all part of God's training for the work He has for
me to do. For after all a man who is to preach to others, or help others who fall, must know what sin is. And
really one who is brought up in a sheltered Christian home has no idea of it. Anyhow I know now as I have never known
before the trust of what the apostle says "I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing". And when
I preach the gospel I feel I have some knowledge now of what sin is and what the human heart is capable of. So
perhaps the Lord has turned it all to blessing. At any rate I know the restoring grace of the Lord, and I have felt
the sweetness and wonder of His unchanging love - that love that never lets us go, because it is the love of One who
knew the worst about us before H had anything to do with us. Praise Hi name for that.
I will just say once more, my darling, that if either now or a little later on, you feel there is anything you ought
to say to me or to ask me in connection with the matter, you must do so without hesitation; and I will answer you
without reserve at whatever cost to myself. And in saying that I know that no question arising out of a quite natural
and legitimate curiosity on your part will be allowed to reach me until it has passed the censorship of your love and
good sense. So with that I shall leave the matter.
Your love, my darling, is sweeter than ever to me now. You can understand how it is I feel so unworthy of you.
But I trust that I shall yet be worthy of it if the Lord spares me long enough.
Do so hope you will have a happy weekend. It will be just lovely to see you at Gothic Hall, if the time is short
and sweet. My thoughts will be much with you in the meantime.
So goodbye, my own darling Doris,
God bless and reward you for your love and grace to me.
Ever so much love, and a big hug,
from your affectionate
Ernest
[Can any of you shed any light on the above? Father said very little about his past, but he wasn't talkative at the
best of times. I can remember once asking him about his earlier working life, and how he said nothing but flapped his
hands outwards, making it clear he just wanted to forget it. I can also recall a brief reference by Mother to his once
working in a draper's shop - hardly something to be ashamed of.]
Pantiles,
Danbury. In Bed. Thursday morning
Darling,
You will wonder why on earth I'm here for, when by rights of the law I should be in the school-room helping my
children up the steep path of knowledge - the reason is this all yesterday I did not feel very well, also rather a
weighed sort of feeling on my spirits, so I went to bed early last night as my bones ached a bit and my heart felt
rather heavy; and this morning I woke with a splitting top heavy sort of head and a silly cold so after breakfast the
powers that be sent me back here (Mother does not know I'm sitting up talking to you - I don't know what she'd say if
she did, but I'm tires of laying down and I was thinking a lot about you so thought I'd just send you
some love.) I can hear the droning of my children form here as my
noble sister Eileen is now taking them to reading - not having an exam at school today Eileen was very pleased to take
a holiday and by
what she looked and said in break when she rushed up to see me she is enjoying herself immensely out there, another
sound I've been listening to is the seeps voice talking to Mother as he has just swept the dining room chimney - when I
arrived down this morning there was a bog semicircle of soot over the dining room carpet - that's the second time its
been so, so Father said one word "Sweep" and 10 the sweep comes! - I also have heard the humming of the car on the
wash then it dying away in the distance as Father & it have gone off on business together - when I look out of the
window I can see the green fields and some charming cottages with smoke lazily curling from the chimneys and all looks
very peaceful and lovely making me think of a charming piece of poetry my biggest people have just learned starting
'Great wide, beautiful, wonderful world
With the wonderful water round you curled
And the wonderful grass upon your breast
World - you are beautifully drest!' etc.
Another thing I'm hoping by staying up here today I shall throw away my cold so as to be able to go to London perhaps
Sat. if I can't tomorrow as it will be awfully disappointing to have to put it off as I have not been for so long - so
if I'm not at Gothic Sunday evening you can think to yourself that my cold is still with me.
We had a very pleasant time with Mrs. Harrison & Miss Stokoe and a musical feast in the evening then Eileen & I
drove Mrs. Harrison home and saw her in her house safely as it must be so lonely going in a great empty house. - she
thoroughly enjoyed herself up with us.
Thankyou for two love letters & one sermon received this week I enjoy them all and felt quite relieved you did not
leaved me on a level with the preachers cook! I must stop now & get down the bed again so Goodbye my dear Ma
Your rather dumpy feeling
Doris
[Simple picture of a preacher, standing on a chair and asking Are you ready cook? The cook, seated is the other side
of a table, holding a rolling pin.]
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 12th. March 1932
My own darling Doris,
How exceedingly sweet of you to send me that little line of real love from your bed! It was a cheer to me when I
arrived home last evening. But I was very sorry that you had to be in bed when you wrote it. However did you get
the cold? I can understand where the depression of spirits came from, but can't account for the cold. I was so
pleased to her from John that you were better. I rang him up this morning, to enquire how you were, and sent a
message of love which I hoped reached you for the weekend. The circumstances under which I was telephoning were such
that I could not couch my message in the terms I should like to have done. So I must do that now.
It seems ages since a week ago when I was enjoying the bliss of sitting with my arm round the one I love so dearly.
I wish I were in that favoured place now. But it's no good wishing. Still I do
think of you so much and send you a big kiss and a loving hug through the post.
You would have known that I was thinking of you if you had seen me earlier in the evening trotting off for the third
time to H.M. the photographer. I can't get anything I like. Is it that I am dreadfully proud, woefully deceived,
hard to please, or do need to see an occulist? I went to another man this evening to see whether he can do any
better. If he doesn't I shall give it up and proceed as follows. Spread all the proofs out on the table. Shut my
eyes and twist the table cloth round. Walk upstairs, then down again, enter the room blindfolded with a poker in my
hand. Then dab the poker on one of them. Pick that one up. Put it in an envelope. Seal the envelope while still
blindfolded. Pick up all the others and put them on the fire. Then open my eyes and address the envelope to the
photographer and hope for the best. It is an ordeal to be sure! However I don't mind that, if only I can get
something that will please you. You are worth any number of ordeals. And this photography business was not the
first. Don't you remember that first afternoon I came down to Chelmsford when you drove me out to Brentwood and we
had tea together at the "Blue Pig & Face Ache" or something of that sort. If ever I have felt green in my life I did
that day. Still they were blissful hours we spent together, my darling, were they not?
I expect you are feeling a little disappointed at not being able to send the weekend in London. So am I, I can
assure you. I was so looking forward to seeing your dear face at Gothic Hall. Still I must bear up. I'm afraid
that sermon is not getting written out. I am writing to you instead. I hope you won't tell me that that is the same
thing. This letter is far too frivolous for that.
I have accepted the invitation to Hounslow for Easter Sunday evening conditionally on there being some local brother
to take my place if necessary. It is a dreadful journey - 2 solid hours of travelling each way. Still I must not
grumble at that, though I do dislike spending 4 hours of the Lord's Day on trains and rackety tubes. I sometimes envy
the lot of those concerning whom Gray wrote:-
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray;
Along the cool sequester'd vale of life
The kept the noiseless tenour of their way.
After a long wearisome week in the noise and dirt of the City, one just longs for the quietude of the country where
one can settle down for a few moments to collect one's thoughts. However I must not let thoughts like that rob me of
the joy and privilege of serving the Lord. You must pull me up when I get into that frame of mind, and remind me of
my duty. I hope you will always do that with a word of cheer when you think I need it.
I haven't had any reply from Mr. Cox yet. Perhaps he's saving it up till he sees me. Or maybe he's too busy. I
do wonder what he will say. Have you broadcasted the news at Danbury. Of course everyone must know by now. They
are duffers who don't.
There is precious little news. What are you doing next Saturday afternoon? There's a Camp reunion at Pembroke
Hall, Leonard tells me. But I do not feel under any particular obligation to be there. Then a former colleague at
the office - a christian man, who lives with his daughter at Norbury - wants me to go down to his place to dinner and
tea. I shall probably accept that invitation if we cannot arrange anything together. But cannot we meet somewhere?
Shall I come down to C?
This man at Norbury is a man I am very interested in. He was connected, when a young man, amongst Brethren, but
went out to Japan in business and become a backslider. He was a great cricketer out there and was known as the Demon
Bowler. When he came home in 1916, apparently he was restored spiritually, and has been bright ever since. He is a
man of 68 now, and is one of the elders at an Independent Mission at Norbury. Of course, he does not hear very much
worth hearing there, and has been greatly helped by our Aldersgate Meetings. I have been down to his place two or
three times and usually manage to get into a tremendous argument with him and his daughter. Last time I was there we
discussed at Length the question of women preaching. One of their objections to Brethren is that we do not permit
women to speak publicly. Still I think I have been able to help them, and should never be surprised if they came
amongst Brethren. It is where there hearts really are, I feel sure. I am writing to tell him how I am placed for
next Saturday. But should he suggest my bringing you with me, would you care to come, or do you think you would find
it rather dull? I hardly care to suggest it to you. In any case I should say we would come to tea only. Then we
could meet for lunch and have the afternoon together. But I don't know even now whether it might not be better for me
to leave it altogether. It is rather early for us to start that sort of thing together., We want to see a little
more of one another, don't we. The only this is, I don't want to neglect any opportunity of helping him if I ought to
go. However I shall just tell him how the land lies, and see what happens. Maybe you have something else on.
Well now, I must stop this yarning, or you'll be bored stiff again. I am so wondering how your are this evening.
Hope you are tucked up warmly in bed by now, sleeping that cold off. John said you had reached the croaking stage.
To-morrow I hope you will feel quite fit again.
Well, my darling, it is a joy to write to you. Life would be a blank now without your love to cheer me. What a
good thing distance does not hinder our loving one another.
Good-night my treasure. Ever so much love and kindest thoughts from
Your devoted
Old Boy
P.S. Please give my love to your father and mother, and also to the rest of the family.
Pantiles,
Danbury In Bed. Sat. morning.
Dear Ernest,
I'm afraid I shall only be near you in thoughts tomorrow as my silly cold hasent gone enough for me to go, I'm
terribly croaky still so it would really be hopeless, for one thing I always talk so much when I get there and it
would perhaps give the family my cold so I feel very fed up about it all - I shall hope to go next week if its
convenient for then.
I'm writing this in a frantic hurry as Tom is taking it to Chelmsford to post for me, then I hope you will get it
some time today, so farewell
Yours, feeling rather ruffled
Doris
***********
Mount Pleasant,
80, Gordon Hill,
Enfield, Middlesex 12th. March 1932
Dear Doris,
My wife and I feel we must hasten to write and say how every pleased we are at your engagement to Ernest. To me,
as one who has known you for many years now it is an especial pleasure. I little imagined for instance in those happy
days when I used to stay with you, that our families would be brought closer together in this way. My wife, though
she has not known you so long is equally pleased, as I believe that the little you & she have known of each other has
yet produced a mutual appreciation which I am sure will increase as time goes on. We should like to give you a very
warm invitation to come to see and stay with us whenever you like & we do hope you will be able to come some time in
the near future. Just at present we are passing through rather dark times, but if things are not quite as bright as
we should like them to be, I am sure you will understand.
I do not think I could wish you & Ernest any thing better in your engagement than the experience of dear Helen &
myself in our engagement. We found that the Lord's blessing was a very real thing and He very graciously came in in a
very remarkable way to remove difficulties. One such experience we have never forgotten & it has proved an
encouragement many times since. Not only this, but since we have been married the Lord has been very good to us. We
naturally have to speak very carefully, as in this as well as in all else it is all due to the Lord's keeping power,
but several times our friends have remarked on what a happy home we have and how happy we are with each other. So, we
both wish you & Ernest the happiest of engagements, and if the Lord spares you to set up a home together may it be as
happy as ours has been.
I was sorry to hear to-day that you had developed a cold and I do trust that by this time you are better.
With warmest greetings and Xtian love in which Helen joins me,
I remain,
Yours affectionately in Christ Jesus
Fred T. Pettman
**********
[undated: envelope franked 13 MAR 1932]
72 Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx.
My dear Doris,
How kind it was of you to think of my birthday. Thankyou so much for the sweet card and kind wishes. How
singular it should be the same day as your dear Father's. I want to send you a few lines to express all my loving
interest and pleasure in your engagement to my dear Ernest, and every kind wish that the pathway on which you are both
entering may be richly blessed of the Lord, and that you may be "helpers of each other's joy" as you unitedly live to
serve and honour Him.
I shall be so glad if He call me "home", before we all go together at His coming, to be leaving dear Ernest with a
dear loving one to share his joys and sorrows.
I am sorry you have a cold, but hope by this time you are better. I hope that you will soon be able to come and
see us, but I am sure that Ernest will not forget to arrange that.
With kind love to all and much to yourself dear Doris
Yours very affectionately
Kate S. Pettman
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 14th. March, 1932
My darling Girlie,
It was exceedingly kind of you to rush off that little note on Saturday morning in the hope of letting me know
before the weekend that you would not be Gothic Hall. But it did not reach me till to-day, so must write to my M.P.
about it and have an appropriate question raised in Parliament as to why my love letters are delayed in transit.
Still as I had rung John in the morning I was saved the bitter disappointment of not finding you at the meeting - not
saved it, but had it one day earlier.
Do so hope you are quite better by now. I can sympathise with you particularly because I have a very trying cold
to-day. My nose has been like a tap without a washer, and the blotting paper on my desk has had to serve an
additional purpose. I think I caught mine on Saturday afternoon through tending the garden without a bonnet on, and
roasting myself between times round a mighty bonfire. Anyhow I shall come straight home from the Prayer Meeting and
play the invalid with hot lemon, unless I decide to have a good read instead. We'll see when the time comes.
It will be nice to see you next Sunday, if possible. So unless I hear anything to the contrary I will make my own
arrangements for Saturday. I expect I shall go down and see that old boy at Norbury. There is another Aldersgate
Meeting on Friday, so that puts the lid on our having tea together again. I feel like weeping.
I got on fairly well last night, but felt the difference between the Danbury singing and the Gothic Hall noise. I
suppose one ought not to be influenced so much by circumstances, but really good singing does cheer and encourage a
speaker - at any rate, a young beginner. Edwin was there. I was pleased to see him. I have asked him to come down
again to Enfield for a Sunday, and he seemed quite ready to do so. Perhaps I may be a help to him. He needs
spiritual help just now more than is apparent I think. So we must both pray particularly for him. He has
considerable talent if only it could be developed and directed into the proper channels.
I told Mr. Sam Harrison last evening that I had expected to see my fiancée at the meeting. He nearly
collapsed with surprise. And when I told him that you were the one who had conferred such a signal honour upon me, he
was very pleased, and congratulated me profusely, as well he might. I like him immensely. He has always been
kindness itself to me.
We had quite a nice day here yesterday, and a satisfactory school in the afternoon. I suppose you did not get over
to W.W. I rang John up this morning to get the latest bulletin, but he was out at lunch, and I did not think to ring
him again this afternoon until it was too late. My head has been spongy and my throat raspy all day.
Well now, I must put the cork in again. It is 7.45 and P.M. is at 8. So must rush upstairs for a wash and then
off.
Please give my love to all, and accept ever so much for our own darling self.
Ever yours devotedly,
Ernest
**********
Tudor Cottage,
Pollards Hill South,
Norbury S.W. 14th. March 1932
My dear Pettman
Well! well! well! Your news did surprise me, as I thought you were "weather proof" against the love of the fair
sex; but I do congratulate you most heartily, and the young lady, who has been clever enough to draw your affections.
What does the wise man say? Prov 18 v 22 "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord."
I quite understand about Saturday and my daughter says when you do come you had better bring the young lady as
well!!!
I have thought it best to write to Mr. W. Sale and send your brothers testimonials to him, as he would be more
likely to know of something than the younger brother Fred. You might let him know.
I note what you say about Danbury but am afraid it will be too far away from my other relations over here. Are
there any decent houses to be had on the cheap side about £800 freehold?
Of course I have not tried to sell this one yet, and unless I can sell it for £1350, it would not pay me to
make a move.
Goodbye. Kindest regards from us both.
Yours very sincerely,
W.D.Stuart-Edwards
15th. March, 1932
My dearest Doris,
Just a few lines of love from someone who does not forget you. Do so hope you are your own happy self again by
now, cold gone heart lightened, spirits revived, temper unruffled etc. Have thought ever so much about you. Somehow
or another I don't seem quite so anxious to read a book, going up by train in the morning, as I used to. I expect you
have got back to your children by now, and that you are at your girls meeting while I am writing this. Who is
speaking to-night? Are you?
My writing seems a bit funny to-night. There has been no disputing the fact that one's upper storey contains a
vast quantity of liquid. They have been putting a washer on one of our house taps to-day. Had I known they were
coming I should have stayed at home and submitted my nasal organ for similar treatment.
I had a letter from my friend at Norbury this morning. He evidently thought I was an "'ard 'earted 'annah".
That's right isn't it. No doubt he has formed that opinion through hearing me declaim so vehemently against the women
at our office. I'd get rid of the whole set of them if I had my way.
He's a very decent old boy. He's been wanting to move for some long time, so I suggested he should settle down and
finish his days somewhere in the country. I suggested he should try Danbury. That accounts for the last paragraph
of his letter - which by the way I am enclosing so that you can show it to your beloved father. I don't know whether
there is anything going in Danbury that would suit him, but if there is he might like to consider it.
I think I told you he was my colleague at the office for 6 years. We used to have lunch together and be very
friendly. Last year they retired him on pension, so I have been without a friend. This year they have knocked off
his pension and given him a lump sum. But he has means of his own, and will be able to live very comfortably. I
expect I shall go down to his place on Saturday. But I must take you one day. He'd be very pleased to see the
'clever' girl I've told him about.
By the way Fred had reason to ring up Sam Harrison to-day, and learned that he (S.H.) and his wife are very pleased
to hear about us, and think we are well suited to one another. So evidently we have the legal mind on our side!
Well darling, I must pop out to post then up to see Fred with Mr. Edwards' message. Poor old Fred. I do feel so
sorry about him. The trial is a long one. I know you will pray constantly for him that the Lord will come in and
open up a way for him. He is on a three or four weeks job at the moment. But that is so different from having a
permanent post. There is one thing about Fred, he doesn't let the grass grow under his feet, and his failure to get a
job is not for want of trying on his part. Pray about him specially, won't you, as naturally his affairs react on us
to a
certain extent. I could not wish for a better brother in any way. And he is devoted to the Lord's things.
Now I really must say goodbye once more. Ever so much love my darling treasure. How often my thoughts turn to
you and I am glad they do! So with a big hug and kiss
from your loving
Ernest
********************
278 Amesbury Avenue,
Streatham Hill,
S.W.2 15.3.32.
My dear Doris,
How pleasant it was to hear the happy news of your engagement from Mr. Ernie Pettman on Lord's Day!! It came as a
great surprise to us, but we rejoice much. We esteem him very highly and feel sure he will make a good husband,
because he has been such a good son. And you will be sure to make him a good little wife, when the time comes because
you have been such a good daughter.
I believe you will be true helpers to each other. You will be able to use the verse "oh magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt His name together."
It has made me think of the happy days to my engagement - and I feel glad for you. I hear you will be coming up to
Mary Clare's for the weekend. If so will you come to Gothic Hall to tea with us. You know who is to be our preacher
for the evening!
Our united love to you and we pray the Lord's richest blessing on you both.
Very lovingly yours,
Louise Harrison
Pantiles, 'Darling I love you!'
Danbury, I've put this by Tom's
Chelmsford. 16.3.23 special request & he feels
a bit more satisfied now.
DFMB
My dear Ernest,
Tis said 'Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast", but I think Tom's is the exception that proves the rule -
it might not be at its soothingest now as he is practising so not performing to a company - [These sentences are
decorated with some crochets, quavers etc.] but I think anyone would agree his 'God bless the Prince of Wales' gets
rather tedious after a bit also some marvellous waltz, that every now & then rather stumbles and does not glide as
the composer meant it should then of course there is one's own little compositions in between these pieces and a
music war with the bass notes for guns - Eileen is really quite rude in her remarks on her small bros entertainment -
quite free - so nice & cheap - but he goes on quite blissfully as she is tethered up in bed and hasent got to the nice
stage where you can make a nice noise! You see Eileen & I have now changed places, on Monday she was quite unable
to get up & Tom was in the same condition - some of my nasty little germs I suppose - Eileen has been rather bad and is
still in bed, but you see Tom's stage really quite a helpful one as it's the wiping up the dishes running up and down
the stairs - and free entertainment one, he has now ended his soothing the savage breast business & has rummaged up a
very exciting lot of magazines (mixing Woman & Home & Womens Home Journals with The Motor Boat & B.O.P.'s!!! - his
taste is wide!) and is laying on the settee as he says he's tired so a very nice peaceful air has stolen over the
house!!
I do hope your cold is better isent it nice after croaking to talk in a sane manner again, it seems to give one
back one's self respect doesn't it? my voice is normal today for the first time, my children have had to do all their
singing on their own so far with rather maddening results -!
Monday afternoon was so beautiful so as most of the children have colds & coughs in different stages of beauty I
decided to try blowing the wretched things away (my own included) so we locked the invalids in the house & Mother & I
sallied forth to conduct a Nature walk and we had some great fun touring round, trying to climb trees, being Robin Hood
& outlaws, and sometimes quite forgot the Nature part of the walk!! however we found some gorse flowing honeysuckle
sprouting & Lords & Ladies springing up also a speck of a bluebell which so minute that we lost the poor thing. The
next day an essay was written by some of the people, during this section Margaret came up & whispered to me "May I
put 'Roy spotted a bluebell' Miss Baker?" I told her I quite agreed with it & would say it myself and it was jolly and
all that - but was not really written in the best of English so it had to be the tame "Roy saw a bluebell"!
I don't seem to be answering any of your letters - but then it would be hopeless to begin. Aunt Elizabeth came
over from Lindsell for the day yesterday and we had a very jolly time in the afternoon Mother Father she & I drove
down to Bradwell a pretty village 20 miles away Daddy has had work down there so some of us always go with him when
he has to go & see it. this village is right on the North sea and we often picnic there on holiday times, in the
evening Aunt E. spoke to the girls, she always is very good - and a Mrs. Kemp that comes said a lovely recitation,
she is a Christian
but belongs to another Chapel, but she always comes to the Tuesday night meeting.
Aunt Elizabeth nearly collapsed when Mother told her about us and was amazed at how dark it had been kept, then I
was thoroughly cross examined a& after that was gazed at, to see if I looked different -!!! the prisoner at the bar
kept very calm under this ordeal - it was decided in the end that I looked & seemed quite the same -! a sign of relief
for me! (I'm so glad I dident seem to have gone grey or lined or whatever I ought to have done)
Mr. and Mrs. Pencock [?] came to tea on Sunday, they please Grandma because they 'keep their place'! on Saturday
all the family went off to the sea namely Mersea, & had a ripping time ending up with tea at Colchester Eileen did
not go with them as she had gone for a days hunting, she had a very exciting time & nearly ran over a fox, she got
so near it. I kept the fire up and read 'The Good Companions'!
What a charming individual Mr W.D. Stewart-Edwards seems to be it would be rather nice if Father had something for
him - perhaps he will a little later on anyway I gave him the letter to read, perhaps he would come to our Meeting if
he ever came here to live - what a nice thought. I've had several letters (about you & I) & one from Mrs. Saw. also
a very nice one from a Father in Israel - your bro! we all feel so sorry for him, and do hope he will soon get
something permanent to do. I simply must this it seems as if I could wind on for ever, as theres such a lot to tell
you but I've 4 more letters to write (they are not all going to be this length)
Lots of love
Doris
P.S. Tom wondered & wanted to know very badly how I started & ended this letter so I let him see & he thought it was
horribly flat! The burning question of the day "Are you Oxford or Cambridge?" Hope to see you Sunday evening.
**********
21 Apsley Road,
Clifton,
Bristol. March 17th
Dear Doris,
accept my congratulations on your engagement to Mr. Ernest Pettman. I am very pleased to hear it & I hope you will
be very happy. I am sorry I will not be at Danbury for Easter but I may be in time for the wedding. your mother will
miss you as you have been so much with her.
Yours sincerely
L Shayer
Enfield, 17/3/32
My darling,
Many thanks for your lovely long letter so full of news. So glad you are better, and hope the others will be soon.
Thank Tom for his interference. It is evident he requires a good deal more of his illustrious sister's tuition in the
noble art of melody making. The way he plays reminds me of the way some people try to write poetry. There was a poem
(?) in the September issue of the Gospel Gleanings last year which gave one the face ache to read. W.G.T. must have
been possessed to have inserted it at all.
How lovely to think of seeing you on Sunday evening. I hope I shall not be the one to "conk out" (is that right?)
this time. My cold does not seem to dry up, and if it is not better I shall have to get someone else to do the
spouting. I am going to write and ask Ray to hold himself prepared. What a remarkable coincidence that Ray, Edwin & I
should all be at Gothic Hall next Sunday evening. They will think there is a conspiracy. I hope Ray & Edwin have to
hurry off after the meeting to meet an aunt or something, and that the Clares live a tremendously long way off, and
that all the trains, trams, buses, taxis and other means of conveyance break down.
Well, darling, I won't bore you with more now as I want to get several other letters written in time for the post.
We must have a nice chat on Sunday evening even if it isn't a long one. Don't forget to pray for me. The
circumstances of my visit are a little trying with such a host of friends expecting to be there. I hope you will all
sit somewhere near the front so that there will be no temptation to me to burst out laughing. You know what Ray and I
both are if anything funny does happen. If he began to laugh, I should go off into hysterics. What would Uncle Sam
think of that. He'd read the riot act immediately and issue a writ or something.
So goodbye, my own darling treasure. Heaps of love and a big hug
from
Ernie
(that's what Mr. Sam always calls me)
72, Morley Hill,
Enfield,
Middx. 20th March 1932
My own darling Doris,
This note must really be a short one as owing to the unexpected absence of two or three teachers this afternoon. I
shall have to address the whole school. And of course I must find something to say.
Owing to certain repair work on the line our train was 20 minutes late getting up to town last night, but I just
managed to scrape into the 10.30 to Enfield, and got home about 20 minutes to 12 - very tired, but very happy and
cheered by seeing you my dearest.
When I got home I found an effusive letter from Ray B. waiting for me. He was very pleased to hear the news. My
cold seems to have gone completely to-day so that I shall not have to avail myself of his kind offer to take my place.
I have booked a seat in the Enfield coach for Easter Monday, though I may only require it for the homeward journey.
If I do go down to Hawkhurst which I think I may do, I might come up on the Monday morning and then travel down to
Chelmsford mid-day. Anyhow
I'll let you know exactly what my movements will be. My arrangement with David Hodson permits me to leave the Hounslow
meeting to another brother whom he said he would have available in case I should be unable to get along.
We had a nice meeting this morning on the whole, but I fear we know very little about the Spirit's guidance. We had
the same hymn twice for one thing. Fortunately it was a very suitable hymn (No.393) Some brothers have no idea of
there being one theme in a meeting. Or is it our spiritual poverty that makes it impossible for us to dwell on any
particular theme for more than a few minutes? We seem to jump from one thing to another, and I can't help saying that
it jars and spoils the harmony - at least to me.
I suppose you will be going over to W.W. this afternoon. Do hope you will have a nice time. By the way what are
you going to speak on to your girls on Tuesday? I was going to ask you last night, but something turned my thoughts.
I am thinking of speaking to-night on the healing of the centurion's servant in Luke vii.1-10, dividing the subject
somehow on the following lines:
Three steps to blessing -
1. A willingness to approach God in the right way, i.e. through
the elders of he Jews. As a Gentile outsider - though a cent-
urion - he had no claim upon the Son of David. And he does not
pretend that he has, as the Canaanite woman did in Matt xv.
So now there is a way - and only one way - to approach God,
i.e. through Christ, Acts iv.12. And there is no blessing for
us until we abandon all thoughts and ideas of our own of gett-
ing right with God by means of our own, e.g. good works, serv-
ing God, attendance at a place of worship etc, and approach
Him through Christ.
2. A sense of his own unfitness for the presence of Christ. Or-
iginally he sends for Christ to come, but on hearing that
Christ is on his way, the centurion sends friends to stop Him.
So, as a second step to salvation, there must be a sense of
sin. It is those who cry "God be merciful to me, a sinner" who
are justified.
3. An implicit faith in the word of Christ. The man did not ask
for a sign, or an act of power, or even for the Lord's person-
al and visible presence. The Lord's word was enough for him.
Likewise, there must be on our part faith in the written
if we are to be blessed. We must not trust to inward feel-
ings nor expect outward signs. We must take God at His word,
and then we shall receive the blessing we seek.
There now, there's a little ready-made sermon for you. I have written out the headings as much to impress them on
my own mind as to
tell you about it. I generally find it a help to make notes, but not to use them in the pulpit. If I can memorise the
sequence of thoughts and ideas, I don't as a rule find much difficulty in filling in the detail as I am going along.
Well, now, I must prepare something for this afternoon. So goodbye, my darling girlie. May the Lord bless you.
Ever so much love and a big hug
from
your old Ern
P.S. Please excuse so many mistakes. Would write it all out again if I had time. But I really haven't to-day. Heaps
of love.
Pantiles,
Danbury. 18.3.32
Dear Ern,
This is the limit that your name can get to, I think its just one worse than Ernie - isent it ghastly? we know
some people who always refer to one member of their family as 'Ern' and it makes us curl up inside!
I have some terrible news - the Clares have suddenly two missionaries plonked on them and so my visit will have to
wait until after Easter - I do feel disappointed as I don't suppose you will ever be preaching there when I go up again
- I will pray for you & think about you, but I would rather have been there.
We have just finished high tea after shopping in the town it was hectically busy today, I love seeing all the
farmers & country people in, it always seems so lively & nice.
I must dash round now with this to the post, Father & I went to a Zenana Missionary meeting on Wed. night and
heard a fine speaker.
With very much love darling,
Your feeling rather sorry
Doris
P.S. Mrs. Sam referred to you in her letter to me as "Mr. Ernie Pettman" so I'm not surprised at Uncle Samivel!