Letter. 19 - Release from Notions. Entrance upon Knowledge

Summary

H. M. to H. G. A.

I am glad I asked you in what sense you used the words “God,” “Origin,” &c., for your reply comes to me like a piece of refreshing sympathy,—as rare as it is refreshing. I cannot tell you how the pain grows upon me of seeing how little notion men have of the modesty and largeness of conception necessary in approaching the study of themselves or any other part of nature; and in the conduct of their mere daily business. Of all the people I have ever known, how few there are who can suspend their opinion on so vast a subject as the origin and progression of the universe! How few there are who have ever thought of suspending their opinion! How few who would not think it a sin so to suspend their opinion! To me, however, it seems absolutely necessary, as well as the greatest possible relief, to come to a plain understanding with myself about it: and deep and sweet is the repose of having done so. There is no theory of a God, of an author of Nature, of an origin of the universe, which is not utterly repugnant to my faculties; which is not (to my feelings) so irreverent as to make me blush; so misleading as to make me mourn.