Perhaps only a very limited space around the equator on either side is safe to travel over 

 in religious matters, and if this is exceeded, the further we get either north or south, the 

 less likely we are to get safely again ne.ar the equator. Should we unfortunately allow our- 

 selves to drift too near either of the poles, we will be certain to be helplessly lost in uncertain- 

 ties which are of no use, excepting to draw our attention away from matters really important. 

 If both high and low church principles are right, why carry matters to extremes and fight about 

 such apparent nonsenses? The church should be one of peace; if it is not, there is something 

 totally wrong. Two parties diametrically opposed to each other cannot both be right, and if 

 the most pious and learned men in the country cannot agree as to what is right, what chance 

 have the laity, the illiterate, and the poor, of judging? The only thing for them to rely on is 

 common sense, which must tell them there can be no fashion in religion, which altereth neither 

 by time nor circumstances. 



An old saying is " Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." Did this mean those 

 who know better than the very ignorant are not to try to instruct them, but that they should 

 be allowed to pursue their wrong doing? I think not. The shape of a globe with the poles 

 and equator might also be our symbol to guide us somewhat in the way we should go the 

 north pole being perfection, to which stage no human being can attain ; but the further from 

 the imaginary equator we can keep, on the north side, the better. The equator marks the line 

 we should never pass southwards. Our imaginary south pole is precisely the reverse to that 

 on the north, it being perdition itself, and our care should be never to be on the south 

 side of the equator, as if the line is once passed it is most difficult to get back again, and if 

 once passed it is surprising how easily it is to drift further from the equator. 



