::R0660 : page 2::

“THE sentiment that it matters not what a man believes, so that he is sincere, is as unscriptural as it is absurd. Sincerity in belief has no more effect in warding off evil in the spiritual, than in the natural kingdom. If the teachings and persuasions of a reputed chemist should prevail on you to believe that arsenic is harmless, would it therefore be harmless? Could you mix it with your bread, and you and your children eat it without injury to health life? Oh, no! Neither will the sincerity of your belief save you from the consequence of error in religious faith. Right belief—truth, God’s truth, my brethren, is the only foundation on which you can safely rest your hope.

====================

— September, 1884 —