Your letter was received on Thursday, and, contrary to your
expectation, was read with a great deal of interest, for I always
admire to have every one speak with perfect freedom, and I am very
glad you wrote as you did, and feel honored by having so old a man
for a correspondent.... You and I won't quarrel on the Bible
question. Rather think I should come up to your expectations on
_that_ point.... I do not consider Mr. C---- or Mr. S---- authority
any more than I consider the Bible so; I read for myself and settle
the question as best I can. Am I not right? I have not read Colenso
on the Pentateuch, nor Davidson's "Introduction to the New
Testament," but _have_ read "Canon of the Bible," Knappert's
"Religion of Israel," Stanley's "Eastern Church," Higginson's
"Spirit of the Bible," Dr. Noyes's Translation of Prophets,
Psalms, Job, and Canticles, and lastly, "Bible for Learners." I
merely mention these to let you see I have been a student of the
Bible. Will also add Alger's "Future Life," J. F. Clarke's "Ten
Great Religions" and "Thomas Didymus," Savage's "Talks about
Jesus," and his sermons this winter on the Bible.... I think of
heaven and hell as you do; but having always been fed on Unitarian
teachings, am not so "bitter" in my feelings as those who have had
the "Assembly's Shorter Catechism" to overcome. In short, if people
only _live_ truly from day to day, I will excuse their view of the
Bible, and of God, and Christ, as long as they do not wish me to
think the same as they do, for I decidedly think they are wrong....
I shall be very much pleased to have a copy of Theodore Parker's
"Prayers," and shall gladly accept a copy for my circulating
library; for, but with the exception of a few donations, the books
loaned have been those I put in it.