Lady Anne Isabella Byron, Brighton, to Henry Crabb Robinson, [30 Russell Square, London], 8 April 1855.

[f. 127r]

Brighton, Apl: 8th 1855

Dear Mr C. Robinson

       I wish to tell you what I have done about The Review or rather what I have undone, for I have received back my subscription. The new project is far too vague, & has too little guarantee, of the sort I require, to be entitled to the same confidence as a Review with known Editors of the highest character & prospects of extensive support. I have said that I must wait to judge from the Character of the work itself. This in a letter to Mr Darbishire & in conversation with Mr Matteson.  I shall be glad to know what course you have taken.

       The book which has interested me most lately is that on “Mosaism” translated by Miss Goldsmid, & [f. 127v] which I read as you will believe, without any Christian (unchristian?) prejudice. The Missionaries of The Unity were always from my childhood regarded by me, as in that sense, The People, & I believe they were true to that mission, tho’ blind intellectually, in demanding the crucifixion.

       The present aspect of Jewish opinions as shewn in that book is all but Christian, if the author were not under the error of taking as The Representatives of Christianity the Mystics & Ascetics & Quietists – so he does not know how near he is to the true spirit of the Gospel.

       If you should happen to see Miss Goldsmid, pray tell her what a great service I think she has rendered to us soi-disant Christians [f. 128r] in translating a book which must make us sensible of the little we have done, & the much we have to do, to justify our preference of the later to the earlier dispensation.

      I don’t know whether Easter Sunday will excuse discussions more fit for a dusty folio than a pressing letter – but what came into my mind I have written – Perhaps I may be near London in an week, & shall then hope to see you.

            Yours very truly

                         A I: Noel Byron

Text:  MS-DEP Lovelace-Byron 109, fols 127-28] (copy), Bodleian Library, Oxford.