lead one to suppose that he (the Devil) was the most powerful of the two (illegible) Now John I hope that you will enlighten
my dark mind on some of these points and I sincerely hope that you will not be offended at my asking you such. I am not one
of that class of men who because they do not understand the beautiful mechanism of a machine condemn it. At the same time
when I say 'no' I do not mean 'perhaps'. Some people would try to make one think that black is white (I refer to the construction
that some people put upon the Bible) - Do you still go in swimming as we were wont to do when I was there? I suppose you miss
the chap who was wont to accompany you on the cold mornings and chilly evenings when all save you and I shrank at the thought.
Where is friend Shieber is he still expounding sublime problems to that Master of Euclid I have forgotten his name. I think
that he was preparing for the ministry. I pity his congregation. We want more of ability in that calling and not conceited
loons like him, but men high minded men who know the nature of us poor mortals. Ma illegible John I am sorry that this war
has happened. It has thrown the plans and lives of thousands to the winds My three brothers are still fighting the battle
of their country and do not be surprised should you hear of the fourth and last your friend Duncan should turn the pruning
hook to the sword. Hoping that that great and merciful being who holds our lives in his hands may give you health and strength
to pursue your studies to the end I remain your humble and affectionate friend Duncan Paton P.S. Don't fail to write soon
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