The Bible, as they at
present understand it, is doing them great good, and is a blessing to
them and their families. The whole tendency of your mode of proceeding
is to lessen their respect and reverence for the Bible, without giving
them anything in its place.
I have no fear of discussion as to its final results on the Bible; my
only regrets are for those human beings whose present and immortal
interests I think compromised by this manner of discussion. Discussion
of the evidence of the authenticity and inspiration of the Bible and
of all theology will come more and more, and I rejoice that they will.
But I think they must come, as all successful inquiries into truth
must, in a calm, thoughtful, and humble spirit; not with bold
assertions, hasty generalizations, or passionate appeals.
I appreciate your good qualities none the less though you differ with
me on this point. I believe you to be honest and sincere. In Mr.
Parker's works I have found much to increase my respect and esteem for
him as a man. He comes to results, it is true, to which it would be
death and utter despair for me to arrive at. Did I believe as he does
about the Bible and Jesus, I were of all creatures most miserable,
because I could not love God. I could find no God to love. I would far
rather never have been born.
As to you, my dear friend, you must own that my frankness to you is
the best expression of my confidence in your honor and nobleness.
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