354 
which is proof to one person is not to another — and that seems to me to be 
an important question in reference to our reception of the testimony of Scrip- 
ture, and to Christianity. The testimony requires a particular preparation of 
the mind to receive it. I do not know whether I have made myself under- 
stood, but I would be the last person to endeavour to maintain such senti- 
ments as our Chairman has imputed to me about criticism, especially as I 
have published plenty of criticism about such points. 
The Chairman. — I did not suppose you held that view, but you seemed 
to hold it. 
Mr. Howard. — Criticism before the reception of the testimony is very im- 
portant, and indeed we are invited by the Scriptures themselves to prove all 
things, and hold fast that which is good. I do not know that I need say any 
more. As to the moral sense and intuitive perception of the truth, these 
questions could not of course be entered upon in such a paper as this. 
The Meeting was then adjourned. 
