t at the whirl of politics
and parties in which we live? I am sometimes ashamed of the time I
consume in writing invitations and other matters connected with
party-giving--quite as much as John takes to think of speeches,
which affect the welfare of so many thousands. But after all it is
a part of the same trade, one which, though most dangerous to all
that is best in man and woman, may, I trust, be followed in safety
by those who see the dangers. I am sure I see them. God grant we
may both escape them.

In a letter written to Lady Mary Abercromby, more than two years before,
she had expressed her feelings with regard to religious ceremonies. It is
interesting that the word _mummeries_, which excited so much
indignation in Lord John's Durham letter, occurs in this letter.

On January 13, 1848, she wrote:

Many thanks to you for the interesting account of the great
ceremony on Christmas Day in St. Peter's, and of your own feelings
about it. I believe that whatever is _meant_ as an act of
devotion to God, or as an acknowledgment of His greatness and
glory, whether expressed by the simple prayer of a Covenanter on
the hill-side or by the ceremonies of a Catholic priesthood, or
even by the prostrations of a Mahometan, or by the self-torture of
a Hindoo, may and ought to inspire us with respect and with a
devout feeling, at least when the worshippers themselves are pious
and sincere. Otherwise, indeed, if the _mummery_ is more
apparent than the solemnity, I do not see how respect can be felt
by those accustomed to a pure worship, the words and meaning of
which are clear and applicable to rich and poor, high and low....

_Lady John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby_

LONDON, _April_ 11, 1851

I wonder what you will do with regard to teaching religion to
Maillie when she is older. I am daily more and more convinced of
the folly, or worse than folly, the mischief, of stuffing
children's heads with doctrines some of which we do not believe
ourselves (though we may think we do), others which we do not
understand, while their hearts remain untouched.... Old as Johnny
is, he does not yet go to church. I see with pain, but cannot help
seeing, that from the time a child begins to go to church, the
truth and candour of its religion are apt to suffer.... Oh, how far
we still are from the religion of