. . .

In his ordinary letters to me, and in his journals of
the Expedition, which he knew were likely to become public
documents, my son seldom or never touched upon the all-important
subject of religion. This has given rise to an opinion broadly
hinted in Australia by some, and of course believed by more, that
he was either a sceptic or a downright infidel. Nothing could be
further from the truth. His mother's love had instructed him early
and zealously in the doctrines of Christianity, and prepared his
mind for a conviction of their divine truth when he reached an age
which would enable him to exercise his own judgment. As I have
already mentioned, even in childhood he had an inquiring mind and a
disposition to take nothing for granted without investigation.
Hence the questions which sometimes surprised and puzzled his
instructress. The tendency grew with his growth, and displayed
itself in his mode of dealing with every branch of knowledge
comprised in his education. If a new fact in science or an
improvement in a mathematical or surgical instrument came under his
observation, he closely examined their bearing and use before he
adopted them or subscribed to their truth or utility. Those who
question before they believe are not unfrequently pronounced
unbelievers because they question; an inverted mode of reasoning
equally uncharitable and illogical. My son had an undisguised
dislike to any ostentatious display of religious sentiment and
phraseology, particularly on the part of those who were not
teachers by calling. He sometimes suspected more cant than
sincerity in the practice, and thought these matters better suited
for inward communication between man and his Maker than for public