Untitled - Electric Scotland

1863-67] A LETTER OF CAUTION 509
practice to the lengths which you indicate. If you are convinced
of the necessary connection between your peculiar doctrine of the
Eucharist, whatever it may prove to be when stripped
of its
rhetorical disguise, and this practical conclusion, I beg you, ask
ing God s good guidance, to reconsider, and if possible modify,
your view of the doctrine, rather than deliberately set at naught
the commands of the Church of which you are a minister com
mands not only given in our formularies, in laws which you might
possibly suppose had fallen into desuetude, but enjoined also by
the living authorities to whom you owe personal obedience.
"
These are the two points which seem the most important
for me to bring before you. I would urge them on your attention,
not only with the authority which belongs to my office, but with
all the respect and regard of one who feels much interested in
your work, and who is anxious for your own as well as for your
people s welfare. I trust God may guide you, when revising your
pamphlet, greatly to alter both its statements and its general tone.
Indeed, I feel convinced you will do well to leave speculations,
\vith which I cannot think your habit of mind fits you to deal
satisfactorily, and apply yourself with increasing diligence to the
great work of ministering to your people in the form and in the
spirit which your Church enjoins. Believe me, I have good
reason for a conviction, grounded on what I have seen and heard
of you, that if you do not listen to this warning, you will be yield
ing to the temptation of that peculiar weakness in your character
through which those who do not wish you well would rejoice to
see you fall. In your present sphere you have great and difficult
duties. I believe you are labouring to fulfil them heartily and
prayerfully. Do not be misled by any fancy that you have a peculiar
mission to bring back the Church of England to what she was be
fore the Reformation. I cannot doubt, from many passages in
your pamphlet, that you love and honour our Church. Depend
upon it, under your peculiar circumstances, with your peculiar
wisdom as a minister of Christ is.
feelings and temperament, your
avoiding notoriety, to serve Him faithfully and reverently in that
course which authority prescribes to you, and which has been
traced by the long list of our most honoured Divines. Believe
me to be, my dear Sir, your faithful brother and servant,
"
A. C. LONDON."
To a clergyman holding a curacy in his diocese who