LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE LATE DR. LIDDON.
t To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR...] Sin,—I hope that the following may be of interest to the many who revere the memory of Dr. Liddon, as illustrating his generous kindness to those who asked his help. When at Oxford (1867-1869), I, in company with many others, attended his lectures in Queen's College Hall on Sunday evenings. This lecture, I believe, had been originally given to a small number of students ; but gradually the class increased, and Queen's College Hall was completely filled. As he had pro- vided coffee after lecture for the few, he continued to provide coffee for the many, and while this was being served, be answered any inquiries that his pupils made of him. I ventured to ask him whether he could tell me of any one who could and would train me in writing sermons, and with his gentle smile, he at once answered : " That is the business of the Professor of Pastoral Theology ; but be is hardly able to do such work now, and if I can be of the slightest assistance to you, I shall be most happy to see you in my rooms at such a time." He was as good as his word. He gave me subjects for sermons, be listened patiently to the first attempts, he bade me write again on the same text, and suggested subdivisions of his own, besides many a hint which has proved most valuable.
After one sermon which was too like an essay, he said with a twinkle in his eye : " Yes, I like it ; but I am afraid your congregation would not understand one word of what you have said! " And then be would tell me of the curious meanings attached by poor people to words which they did not understand. That I did not make careful notes of all be said, is one of many subjects of regret to
AN OLD "HOUSEMAN."
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