| What willing Nature speaks; what, freed by fire: |
| Both th’ old discoveries, and the new found seas: |
| The stock and surplus, cause and history,— |
As I cannot resign and disparage these, because they have not what I conceive to be the pearl of all knowledge, how could I you?
Lord H.—You speak wisely, George, and, let me add, religiously. Were all churchmen as tolerant, I had never assailed the basis of their belief. Did they not insist and urge upon us their way as the one only way, not for them alone, but for all, none would wish to put stumbling-blocks before their feet.
George H.—Nay, my brother, do not misunderstand me. None, more than I, can think there is but one way to arrive finally at truth.
Lord H.—I do not misunderstand you; but, feeling that you are one who accept what you do from love of the best, and not from fear of the worst, I am as much inclined to tolerate your conclusions as you to tolerate mine.
George H.—I do not consider yours as conclusions, but only as steps to such. The progress of the mind should be from natural to revealed religion, as there must be a sky for the sun to give light through its expanse.
Lord H.—The sky is—nothing!
George H.—Except room for a sun, and such there is in you. Of your own need of such, did you not give convincing proof, when you prayed for a revelation to direct whether you should publish a book against revelation?[1]
- ↑
The following narration, published by Lord Herbert, in his life, has often
been made use of by his opponents. It should be respected as an evidence of
his integrity, being, like the rest of his memoir, a specimen of absolute truth
and frankness towards himself and all other beings:—
Having many conscientious doubts whether or no to publish his book, De Veritate, (which was against revealed religion, on the ground that it was improbable that Heaven should deal partially with men, revealing its will to one
