Letter I
You wish to have my opinion on the doctrine of the Holy Catholic Church, as contained in Scripture, and taught in the Creed. So I send you the following lines, which perhaps may serve, through GOD’S blessing, to assist you in your search after the truth in this matter, even though they do no more; indeed no remarks, however just, can be much more than an assistance to you. You must search for yourself, and GOD must teach you.
I think I partly enter into your present perplexity. You argue,
that true doctrine is the important matter for which we must contend,
and a right state of the affections is the test of vital religion in
the heart: and you ask, Why may I not be satisfied if my Creed
is correct, and my affections spiritual? Have I not in that case
enough to evidence a renewed mind, and to constitute a basis of union
with others like minded? The love of CHRIST is surely the one and
only requisite for Christian communion here, and the joys of heaven
hereafter. Again you say, that —— and —— are constant in
their prayers for the teaching of the HOLY SPIRIT; so that if it be
true, that every one who asketh receiveth, surely they must receive,
and are in a safe state.Believe me, I do not think lightly of these arguments. They are very subtle ones; powerfully influencing the imagination, and difficult to answer. Still I believe them to be mere fallacies. Let me try them in a parallel case. You know the preacher at ——— , and have heard of his flagrantly immoral life; yet it is notorious that he can and does speak in a moving way of... (more)
