ak with
unbounded freedom on that which concerns us all more deeply than
anything else--religion. I believe that by the exercise of such
unbounded freedom we shall reach to a knowledge of God and a
comprehension of the all-perfect spirit of Christianity such as no
Established Church has ever taught by Creeds or Articles, though
individuals of all such Churches have forgotten Creeds and
Articles, and taught "true religion and undefiled" out of the real
Word of God and their own high and holy thoughts.

PEMBROKE LODGE, _August_ 18, 1869

My dear husband seventy-seven this day. God be thanked for all that
has made it a calm and bright and blessed one to us.

Our happiness now is chiefly in the past and present as to this
world, in memory more than hope. But the best joys of the past and
present are linked to that future beyond the grave to which we are
hastening.... Bright and beautiful day. We sat long together in
bowling-green and talked of the stir in men's minds on
Christianity, on all religions and religion, our own thoughts, our
hope, our trust.

_Lord Russell to Lady Georgiana Peel_

PEMBROKE LODGE, RICHMOND PARK, _August_ 18, 1869

MY DEAREST GEORGY,--... Your very kind and warm congratulations
delight me. It is sad that the years pass and make one older and
weaker and sillier, but as they will pass all the same, it is well
to have one bright day in each year when one's children can recall
all the past, and feel once again gratitude to the Giver of all
good.

Your affectionate Father, RUSSELL

_To Mr. Archibald Peel_

MY DEAR ARCHIE,--Thanks for your good wishes. Happy returns I
always find them, as my children are so affectionate and
loving--many I cannot expect--but I have played my part, and think
the rest will be far easier than my task has been.

Your affectionate F.I.L. (Father-in-Law)

RUSSELL

On October 26th they left home for Italy, travelling across France in deep
snow. They reached the Villa Garbarino, at San Remo, on November 3rd, and
remained there till April, 1870. "The five months," Lady Russell writes,
"were among the very happiest of our lives, and we reckon it among the
three earthly paradises to which our wanderings have taken us--La Roche,
St. Fillans, and San Remo. It was a very quiet life, but with a pleasant
amount of society, many peop