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Amicus. I am informed, my dear Veritas, that you have given up the glorious doctrines of the Trinity, and the supreme deity of the Son of God;—doctrines which the true church has always maintained as the foundation of hope and objects of rejoicing. Feeling a deep interest in the cause of truth, and in your welfare, I called this morning to enquire of you respecting this report.
Veritas. I thank you, beloved Amicus, for your christian solicitude, and for coming to me as a friend and a brother. How lamentable is the conduct of some christians, who are more eager to spread abroad reports of a brother's sentiments, which generally misrepresent his real views, than to endeavor to restore him "in the spirit of meekness" from his supposed error. I freely confess to you that my views are changed respecting the subjects you mention. Having adopted the principle, that the word of God is the only standard of truth, I have renounced those views, which I was taught in my youth, which do not appear to accord with the divine testimony. As, however, I feel that I am a fallible creature, I desire ever to attend with meekness and candor to the arguments which may be offered in opposition to my sentiments. If truth is our object, we shall not shrink from the strictest and closest investigation.
Amicus. Very true, and when brethren of different views, conscious of the imperfection of their knowledge, confer with each other, with a pure desire after truth, they may hope, by a candid examination of each argument, and a dependence on the Holy Spirit, to benefit one another, and to promote the cause of truth. But if we are only concerned to support our pre-conceived opinions, and to bear down those who oppose them, we are in a fair way to live and die in our errors. I fear, however, my dear Veritas, that you have erred from "the faith once delivered to the saints."
Veritas. It is my sincere desire to receive every word of the divine testimony. Permit me then, to ask, what revealed truth do you suppose I disbelieve?
Amicus. The doctrine of the Trinity, and the doctrine of the supreme deity of Jesus Christ.
Veritas. Please to repeat the passage of scripture which reveals to us that there are three persons in one God.
Amicus. I acknowledge that there is no passage which expressly declares this doctrine. But there are some passages from which the most pious and learned saints in all ages have inferred it.
Veritas. It is evident from the history of the church, that many christians in different ages have disbelieved it. Be this, however, as it may; were the christians you speak of infallible? Are they our standard of faith and practice?
Amicus. Certainly not.
Veritas. Allow me to ask you, dear brother, where you first learned the doctrine of the Trinity?
Amicus. I confess I was first taught it in the Assembly's Catechism; but I have since examined the word of God, and believe it is therein revealed.
Veritas. Do you not think, that by being taught the religious systems of pious men, (all which must be acknowledged to be imperfect) by those whom we revered and loved, that we were in danger of imbibing some errors? Do you not believe that when we read the scriptures in early life, we were far more apt to affix that sense to certain passages, which agreed with the catechism or creed we had learned, than to examine by scripture itself the real import of them? And have we not, consequently, reason to fear that many of our ideas on divine subjects, have been received by tradition from our fathers, and not from the word of the Lord?
Amicus. I feel the propriety and force of your observations. I never before realized so much the danger we are in of being misled by the opinions and practices of men, deservedly esteemed, indeed, but fallible and imperfect.
Veritas. Since my faith respecting the doctrine of the Trinity was shaken, I have considered it my duty and privilege to examine the whole of the divine testimony, with particular reference to the subject, and to compare all the passages which relate to it. Permit me to enquire, my dear Amicus, if you have ever done this?
Amicus. Although I continually read the scriptures of truth, not having any doubts on the subject of the Trinity, I confess I have never examined the subject in the manner you speak of. I am sensible, however, that it is the best method of ascertaining the truth, if it is done with a humble dependence on divine teaching.
Veritas. Without this all our researches will be vain. May the Lord in infinite mercy guide us into all truth. I would cheerfully state to you my present views of the unity of God, and of the divine glory of his only begotten and well beloved Son; but as these views are fully exhibited in a pamphlet which I beg you to accept, I shall only request your candid and prayerful examination of it by the "oracles of God." I shall then be happy to hear your free remarks, when you have a correct understanding of my views, and of the texts and arguments by which they are supported.
Amicus. I shall, with pleasure, accede to your reasonable proposal, and bid you, for the present, an affectionate farewell.
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