Letter. 3 - Preparation of the Ground

Summary

H. M. to H. G. A.

Yes,—the reason why I want to understand your views is that which you assign;—that you have abjured idols, and come with a free mind to the study of a subject which is rarely entered upon from the beginning. It appears to me that men come to the subject with antecedent notions of “dignity of origin” for man; with words upon their lips about man being made in the image of God; and then, in the fear of impiety, if this notion is invaded, they lose their freedom, and desire to find the truth lying in one direction, rather than another. Now, from the moment that a man desires to find the truth on one side rather than another, it is all over with him as a philosopher. I doubt whether I have ever met with any one but yourself who was perfectly free from such leaning. I have sometimes supposed that I had met with a truly impartial inquirer,—judging him by the sacrifices he had made for his convictions. But, sooner or later, out it comes! He lets out, in one connection or another, that he should be sorry to believe this or that, which he has not yet the means of fully comprehending. He may have gone further in free inquiry than his neighbours, and he rejoices in what he has attained; yet, not the less does he pity those who have outstripped him, as the brethren and friends whom he has outstripped are pitying him.