"First, I must tell you how much I am enjoying Theodore Parker's
'Prayers.' They are suitable in most instances to the present day,
and for all ages and times, and one rises from reading them with
kindlier, broader thoughts, and renewed in strength. Am very glad
to have the book. Shall endeavor to sell copies of it this
winter.... I cannot _exactly_ agree with all you said in your
letter, for I think it is not necessary yet to give up all
theology, though it should not be the main thing in religion. The
chief thing is to _do_ right, and people arrive at that by
different methods. They will inquire and discuss theology, and
therefore it is necessary as yet that ministers should preach it,
and I do not believe that Orthodox ministers have arrived at Mr.
Savage's or Mr. Chadwick's views exactly, or they would come out
and say so. As for myself, I still enjoy the Communion service,
partaking of the bread and wine, and cannot agree to casting aside
Jesus as a helper to a better life, though I neither worship him
nor think that he redeems us in any other way than as by following
his example we become one with him and God. He 'died for us' in no
other sense than as a soldier dies for his country. Then let
theology continue, for the world is fast becoming better and better
in spite of it, and the time _may_ come when we shall need it no
longer. We are gradually coming to the point. I do not regret the
time 'lost' I have spent on theology, for it has fitted me for just
the work I am engaged in, and many are the questions I am called
upon to answer, either by letter or printed matter; therefore I am
glad to know where to send perplexed minds. As a friend wrote me
from the South, 'Your papers are a great help to me. You are doing
more good than the women did in the days of our Saviour. They
clothed the body and you are feeding the souls.' Both acts are
needed, but in different directions, and some people can better do
the one, and others the other. I am cut off from active benevolence
from want of health for it, and am glad to know there are souls
needing nourishment. Do you not take this view too?"
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