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The Founders of Canterbury

Reigate, 8th January, 1850

Reigate, 8th January, 1850.

My Dear Rintoul,

—Your letter is unpleasant; the more because I quite agree with you. But what can I do any more than you? Your letter is like spurring the flanks of a broken-winded horse. However, I shall let them know our mind; and if the plan breaks down, as I fear it will, the fault will not be ours.

Last Spectator was solid and interesting. I am trying to make holyday as far as possible this week: but next week I will endeavour to proceed with New Zealand.

I think it most important that the Society should put out a profession of faith before the meeting of Parliament: but who page 192will write it, supposing the creed to be settled? Not I, from want of strength. Nor could I, if well, do it as well as John Mill. He said he would help by writing. We could keep his authorship a real secret if he pleased. If he would, could you get him to a discussion here next Saturday?

P.S.—I think that if the creed of the Society were drawn up by Mill after discussion, and in concert with us two, it ought to be as good as any three men alive could make it, and would float the Society in spite of their tendency to sinking. One private meeting afterwards, Mill and you being present, would suffice for the adoption of the creed by the earnest members of the Council, including Lord Lyttelton.