SD1670. Robert Bulwer Lytton to Edward Bulwer-Lytton
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 19, 371 (in part).
Florence
August 1. 1853
My dearest Father.
Your letter is indeed most welcome: but I cannot say what deep pain it gives me to see it so little cheerful & hopeful …
What you tell me of the spirit manifestations is indeed astounding. I have for the last 2 or 3 months, been greatly interested in this subject, and tho’ I have not yet had any evidence that I thought very satisfactory myself, I have received accounts, of wonders elsewhere, almost as startling as those you sent me. My own conviction & belief are quite made up as to the fact, but the How & the why, yet remain dark. However I for my part have a most firm & unhesitating belief that a great Spiritual Era is coming upon the world, and doubt not that these manifestations are the first crude, and semi-grotesque beginnings of the new Evangel. …
With regard to the inadequacy of these communications, I have just recd a letter from Mrs. Browning, who is very much interested in the subject, in which she suggests with some justice—
“We must consider (among other things dependent on our weak degree of receptiveness,) that it is not easy for the wittiest or wisest of men, to rap out much wit or wisdom. Put your father in one room, and Mr Carlyle in another, and let them communicate by raps alphabetically—we shant get the “French Revolution” or “Earnest Maltravers” from them for all that—now shall we?” There is something in this. …
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Lord Cobbold.
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