Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/299

 respect to you, Sir, who have so long been a good friend to me and mine."

Dr.—By no means, John; do not suppose either that I feel personally offended by your conduct, or that I do not regard you with feelings as friendly as ever. But, as to the Christian Liberty you speak of, we perhaps understand that matter rather differently; and it was because I thought you were in some mistake about it, that I was coming to see you to-day. I have missed yourself and family for some Sundays past in Church, and understood you had joined the meeting. Is not this the case?

John.—It is. Sir; and, as I have already said, without the slightest notion of showing you disrespect.

Dr.—Say no more about that, John; I know you too well to suspect you for a moment of such a feeling as that. Speak to me, as to your sincere friend and well-wisher, in perfect candour; and do not fear that I shall be offended by any thing you say, while you tell me fairly your reasons for this change in your conduct.

J.—I am sure. Sir, that in the old Church I never heard any thing from you but what was good; and I never thought, till the other day, that I could pray better in any other words than in those of the Church Service. But there is something so fine in the prayers without book, as they are offered at meeting, and……

Dr.—And something perhaps in the manner and language of the preacher, who preaches there without book also? But let me ask, had you no other reasons than these, and such as these, for leaving the Church?

J.—None, Sir, but such as these; at least none that I am aware of.

Dr.—You did not consider that either the Church Prayer-Book, or my Sermons, taught doctrines contrary to the great truths revealed in Word?

J.— forbid. Sir.

Dr.—You had then, perhaps, some such notion as this; you thought that in the Church you could pray well, but at meeting you could pray rather better?

J.—Just so, Sir.

Dr.—And you thought that you were doing service, then, by joining that worship which touched you most?

J.—And surely. Sir, I was right in that thought, at least.