AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
55
accompanied this further experience, nor were such in mind, but the gentle condescension of these gracious people
fitted me all unconsciously for the otherwise intimidating experiences of a pioneer in spiritual things that were
shortly to be mine. Looking ahead for a moment, the following letter, received from Dr. J. Scott Lidgett in the year
the Vol. 12 of The Berean Expositor was published, is of interest.
January 19th, 1922.
Dear Mr. Welch,
Will you forgive a dictated letter. I have been trying to write with my own hand, but the pressure of work
is such that I find it impossible to do so within any reasonable time.
I cannot tell you how great was the thankfulness and pleasure your letter gave me. To have such
testimony borne to the help the Settlement gave you in your early years is indeed a source of satisfaction and
comfort to me. To render such help has ever been my hope, even in regard to those portions of our work here
which may seem to be most secular. Moreover, all my practical work here has sprung naturally out of the
theology I have tried to set forth in my books.
I am so glad to hear of what you have been doing and are doing. May you be enabled to carry on and be
made an instrument of growing good to all those who come under the influence of your publications! I will
do my best to let those you mention know what you tell me about the help they gave you. The lady who
taught you Greek was, I believe, Miss Lomas. She died more than thirteen years ago. Miss Budgett is a
cousin of mine, and I will tell her. Mr. Jones ceased to be connected with the Settlement before the war, and
I have not been in touch with him for more than three years.
I am still keeping on, though my colleagues have for the most part passed out of reach, and the death of
my son, who was my mainstay and who was killed in the war has left me very lonely. Forgive this very
imperfect letter, which is a most inadequate expression of my most grateful thanks to you for so kindly
writing to me and for what you say.
With all best wishes,
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
J. Scott Lidgett.
Warden,
Bermondsey Settlement,
Farncombe Street,
Jamaica Road, S. E. 16.