William John Hocking

Pamphlet detailing an address by W.J. Hocking as well as an earlier appeal by William Kelly, and other details relating to the reunion

Translated by W.J. Hocking from the French

Letter to Henry Pickering

Hard to decipher letter relating mainly to matters on the Continent

Hocking writes that he has been asked by the brethren to undertake the revision of the hymn book

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your valuable help on the hymns. I have not yet reached any details, as I can only take up this work in the intervals between other more pressing labours."

Interesting comment on Mr Kelly's hymns: "I feel much difficulty about some of dear W.K. hymns. They seem to suit the few rather than the many."

"Thank you very much for your letter received on the 21st inst with its clear expression of your judgement on various points. This is most helpful, and I have carefully noted it all, including your abridgment of 222 and the new one of W.K."

"Thank you for the loan of 'Wayside Songs' .. "

"I should be glad as an index of authors seems to be generally desired."

Hard to decipher letter regarding the hymn book

"I much regret that I have not been able to keep in close touch with you on the many difficult questions arising with the hymns."

"What do you think of the enclosed ?batch? of hymns .. "

"It is just the spirit of the times, - to agree to the truth in theory, but avoid the practice."

"As to Hamilton Smith, how much easier it is to judge the fruit, than the root? to repudiate Taylor than Raven" ... other interesting comments on J.G. Bellett and the 'Eternal Sonship' question

"I am enclosing a spare copy of two protests against the Taylor heterodoxy, both of which were written by brothers who either are or were with him."

"I have today sent the papers on 'The Son of His Love' for an estimate for printing. It will be bulkier than I intended ... "

"You sum up their (Glanton's) position exactly when your write, 'They have never abjured Ravenism.'"

"Thank-you for sending me 'Recovery' by D.L.H. He is like a little bantam cock crowing on his own dunghill, very full of assumption."

Interesting personal notes, comments on the funeral of Heyman Wreford, and remarks on the rapture

"I am projecting a series of short papers of a practical nature on the Assembly prayer meeting. I wonder if you know a brief tract on the subject for re-printing, or could you send me your own thoughts?"

"Do not mistake my reference to the Glanton's. I have no illusions, I think, as to their position as a company. But we may expect God to work in individuals, especially when there is any deep sense of our common shame ecclesiastically."

"I hope your valuable collection will be kept intact. Have you a catalouge?"

Interesting comments about Napoleon Noel's 'History of the Brethren'

Very interesting letter giving details of the (I imagine) re-publication of William Kelly's book on Jeremiah, as well as health concerns for his wife, and a lengthy piece on assembly matters in Germany relating to the Bund

Concerns for the poor practical state of the brethren and other matters.

"I believe Satan is using the growing interest in prophecy to destroy the blessedness of the rapture for the soul."