Page:Theological essays (IA theologicalessay00maurrich).pdf/13

A critic of these Essays in the November number of the Prospective Review, observes that I have "not the art of convincing" him; but then, "that it is startling to think how few writers ever do radically overturn any mature system of belief." I certainly never suspected myself of possessing this "art." I do not know whether there is such an "art." If there is, and if I had it, I am not certain that I should wish to exercise it. To overturn "radically a mature system of belief" is the very last object of my ambition. There are some Unitarians, and some Trinitarians also, who are not very mature in their convictions, not very settled in their belief, who have tried systems, and are not content with them. To such I addressed myself. By some of these I have been understood. They have responded to my words with more sympathy than I had any right to expect. For they have perceived that I have not wished to unsettle them in their opinions, or to bring them to mine, but to show that God has laid a foundation for them and for me upon which we may stand together.