“If you understand by the opus operatum ‘efficacy’ of baptism that all who are baptized are therefore saved.... I explicitly state that I do not hold that doctrine. I believe baptism to be ‘an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us: to be the appointed means for admitting members into the Church of Christ’.”
The allegation that she belonged to the High Church party she dealt with:—
“Your second question [i.e. did she belong to the High Church?] ... cannot be categorically answered, since it has never been defined what are the opinions of the High Church party; I would say that I differ from some who assume that title.... I think no one could entertain a greater dread than I of those Romish opinions entertained by some ‘who went out from us, but were not of us’: indeed, during the last six months, I have been engaged in preparing an English history for the use of schools, because Ince’s “Outlines” (a book used in your college) inculcates Romish doctrines.”
The conclusion of her letter shows how clearly she realised the effect that might be produced if the Committee revoked their decision:—
“I have endeavoured to be perfectly candid: should the Council decide that my views are so unsound that I am unfit to occupy the position to which I have been appointed, I shall trust that they will allow me to make as public a statement of my opinions as they are obliged to make of my dismissal, for I shall feel that after this no person of moderate views will trust me, and my own conscience would not allow me to work with the extreme party in either High or Low Church.”
The suspense whilst the Committee’s decision hung in the balance must have been great. Her diary indicates this:—
July 12.—Mr. Bell’s letter about High Church from Cheltenham, and my answer. Some vanity. (Prayer) for resignation.
July 14.—Letter from Cheltenham. Neglect of prayer. Several times rude.
The Committee, however, seem to have been satisfied with her letter to Mr. Bell, and another to Mr. Bellairs, in which she referred him to two friends who knew what her religious views were, sending him also two books, “which I have published without my name—not because I was ashamed of expressing what I thought right, but because one naturally shrinks from expressing without necessity one’s inner religious life”.
They still had one more question, which Mr. Bell asked in his next letter:—