NOTE
People have been so very kind in buying my books since I came to America that I have been tempted to publish the fourth edition, as I have sold out all the copies I brought with me. The selling of these, and the great hospitality I have met, have made it quite easy for me to see a considerable part of this side of the States, and I have preached in many places between Philadelphia and Boston. I hope to be asked to preach at some of the summer resorts, returning to New York in September, and spending the winter in giving missions and preaching, if I get invitations. In the fifteen months after I left St. Agatha I was without any regular work, and as nothing seems likely to be offered to me I thought it a very good opportunity of seeing the States, and I can hardly say how glad I am that I made the experiment. In every town that I have visited I have met many old friends, the majority of them the fruit of St. Agatha’s work, as they were emigrated from the mission.
Almost the first day I arrived in Philadelphia a great big man came running into the room, and was quite offended because I did not remember him. I had emigrated him from the North of Ireland twenty-six years ago. I was delighted to spend an afternoon in his house, which he had paid over $8,000 for. He said: “I had not a boot to my foot, except the one you gave me when I left home.” In Philadelphia alone I found twenty people whom I had emigrated, and I hope to see them all when I go there in the “fall.”
I hope, by means of preaching, to collect money for the Infants’ School of St. Agatha, for if it is not rebuilt now it will very likely cause the government grant to be withdrawn, and bring great injury upon the boys’ and girls’ school. These were built up at the cost of so much prayer and labor that it would be a blow that I could hardly bear if they had to be closed. There are also individual cases of boys and girls, sent from gaol and the streets, who have not quite yet reached the point of keeping themselves, and for whom I am still laboring; and so, while I am enjoying the great pleasure and experience of this most delightful tour, I hope to be able to do something for my own work.
There seems to be a little misunderstanding about my leaving England, and therefore I print three letters which will show that I left on the best terms with the authorities both at Winchester and in the Church. It is not always easy for bishops or patrons, however desirous, to find a living suited for such an irregular person as myself, and therefore I don’t feel the least hurt that I was not offered permanent work before I left. And yet I can hardly say how glad I am that I have had this opportunity of enjoying an almost perfect holiday, which, of course, would have been impossible if work had been offered me at once, after leaving Portsmouth.
Yours very faithfully,
R. RADCLIFFE DOLLING.
231 East 17th Street, New York.
Farnham Castle, Surrey.
The Rev. R. R. Dolling is a Priest of irreproachable moral character and of remarkable earnestness, devotion and capacity. As a preacher he has succeeded in awakening, among many who are usually indifferent, an interest in the Church’s work for the poor and the forlorn. I gladly testify to my profound respect for the devoted work he has done in this Diocese, and I entertain for Mr. Dolling personally a very sincere regard.
(Signed) Randall Winton,
Bishop of Winchester.
May 29, 1897.
Bishop’s House, Kennington Park, S. E.
I have great pleasure in writing a few words of recommendation for the Rev. R. Radcliffe Dolling. Mr. Dolling’s work is well known in the Church; it has been an example in her midst of what profound desire to witness and convey God’s love to the poorest of His people may accomplish, when expressed by a life of entire self-sacrifice in the spirit of brotherly fellowship with every sort and condition of man, and in the full use of the means of Grace.
Mr. Dolling would naturally bring a letter from his Diocesan, the Bishop of Winchester, but the Bishop, who is now in Egypt, will not return till some days after Mr. Dolling’s departure. And I write with the more boldness in his place, because when I recently had in view the offer of work in my own Diocese to Mr. Dolling, the Bishop (who was my predecessor in this See) offered to write me a line expressive of his hearty good-will to Mr. Dolling, and of the pleasure with which he should hear of his finding work amongst us, in spite of the rather grave differences (since become public) which had occurred between Mr. Dolling and himself, and which had, to the Bishop’s great regret, led to the separation of Mr. Dolling from the great work which he was then doing.
I venture to bespeak a most friendly and Fatherly reception for Mr. Dolling from any of my brethren of the American Episcopate to whom he may tender this letter.
(Signed) Edw. Roffen,
Bishop of Rochester.
May 15, 1897.
The College, Winchester.
My Dear Dolling:—I cannot let you leave England without expressing to you once more the deep gratitude of the College for the great work you did for us during more than ten years among the poor at Portsmouth. I wish very much that we were keeping you in England. Our experience of your remarkable success in winning the hearts not only of the Portsmouth poor, but also of the Winchester boys, makes us deeply regret that your services should be lost to the English Church. I hardly dare speak of the affection and respect you have inspired in those here who have known you and your work. I can only say that your effectiveness in the pulpit and on the platform, and your versatility of resource, combined as they are with large-hearted sympathy, and absolute devotion to the cause of Christ, must enable you to do exceptional service wherever you may be called to render it. I trust you may find some sphere worthy of your powers and that you may have large blessings in your work.
Most gratefully and sincerely,
(Signed) L. A. Fearon,
Headmaster of Winchester College.
May 17, 1897.
P.S.—I fear you may think two dollars a very extravagant sum to ask for this little book. But as I have now no income, selling it is of great importance to me. Please therefore get your friends to order from me at 231 East 17th Street, New York.