1. Vincent is referring to the so-called ‘text of the day’ (a lesson), an edifying text printed on calenders and in booklets for the pious to reflect upon.

2. 1 Thess. 5:24.

3. Biblical.

4. Exod. 3:14.

5. This refers to Vincent’s application for a position in Scarborough (Great Britain), which he mentions in letter 70 (cf. FR b2233).

6. In his last letter Vincent had asked Theo for a copy of Andersen’s Vertellingen van de maan (see letter 68).

7. It is not known to whom this refers, though it is possibly the person mentioned in letter 43, ll. 12-13.

8. Ps. 23:6; the text differs in a number of places from the King James version.

9. Tersteeg will have discussed Vincent’s dismissal with his parents in Etten. Mrs van Gogh had already informed Theo: ‘You know that Mr Tersteeg has been here, I believe he also knows a great deal about it, about Vincent. We were pleased to see him’ (FR b2231, 5 February).