ch we were
baptized.

"For myself, persons must be well acquainted with what I have written
before they venture to say whether I have much changed my main
opinions and cardinal views in the course of the last eight years.
That my _sympathies_ have grown towards the religion of Rome I do not
deny; that my _reasons_ for _shunning_ her communion have lessened or
altered it would be difficult perhaps to prove. And I wish to go by
reason, not by feeling."

4. "June 18, 1841. You urge persons whose views agree with mine to
commence a movement in behalf of a union between the Churches. Now
in the letters I have written, I have uniformly said that I did not
expect that union in our time, and have discouraged the notion of all
sudden proceedings with a view to it. I must ask your leave to repeat
on this occasion most distinctly, that I cannot be party to any
agitation, but mean to remain quiet in my own place, and to do all I
can to make others take the same course. This I conceive to be my
simple duty; but, over and above this, I will not set my teeth on
edge with sour grapes. I know it is quite within the range of
possibilities that one or another of our people should go over to
your communion; however, it would be a greater misfortune to you than
grief to us. If your friends wish to put a gulf between themselves
and us, let them make converts, but not else. Some months ago, I
ventured to say that I felt it a painful duty to keep aloof from all
Roman Catholics who came with the intention of opening negotiations
for the union of the Churches: when you now urge us to petition our
Bishops for a union, this, I conceive, is very like an act of
negotiation."

5. I have the first sketch or draft of a letter, which I wrote to a
zealous Catholic layman: it runs as follows, as I have preserved
it:--September 12, 1841. "It would rejoice all Catholic minds among
us, more than words can say, if you could persuade members of the
Church of Rome to take the line in politics which you so earnestly
advocate. Suspicion and distrust are the main causes at present of
the separation between us, and the nearest approaches in doctrine
will but increase the hostility, which, alas, our people feel towards
yours, while these causes continue. Depend upon it, you must not rely
upon our Catholic tendencies till they are removed. I am not speaking
of myself, or of any friends of mine; but of our Church generally.
Whatever _our_ personal feelings may be