I feel for you greatly in your isolation; but comfort yourself in
the thought that the generality of Unitarian ministers are cut off
from all companionship with ministers of other denominations where
they are settled, and are seldom permitted to enter into charities,
where they are, with other ministers. It has been the case ever
since the days of Jesus, that those who really hold his views are
separated from others in the community. But as you say, and many
more say, "if we have God alone, that is enough." I cannot consider
myself a "theist" entirely, but might call myself a "Christian
theist." I have come to know God as manifested through Jesus, but
have as much respect for those who do as Jesus did, and who have as
firm a trust in the Father as Jesus had. Think that is what Jesus
taught, and labored to have no man worship him. "There is none good
but One," he said; "why callest thou me good?" Though I value
Jesus, I do not worship him, or feel that he is my support in life.
I only look to him in difficulties and trials to show me the way to
the Father. I ask to worship and to live in his spirit and so gain
strength from the Father wherewith to do. You and others look more
to men of later date, who have learned from others nearer to them;
but if we trace it all back to the beginning, we will find it is
Jesus' spirit working through them. So one and all, whoever they
are, wherever found, who have the spirit of Christ, are the sons of
God, whether they call themselves merely theists, or Christian
theists, it seems to me. George Eliot was truly religious, though
perhaps not a Christian in the common acceptation.
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