Ramsgate,
January 5, 1852.
My dear Sir,
I am sorry that you do not think me candid in the consideration of the Constitution, for I have heartily desired to ascertain the truth, and perhaps you will allow me to suggest that where there is a difference of opinion it is scarcely fair to attribute it to want of fairness of mind in the discussion.
The fact is, that I have given the subject much anxious study, and you will perhaps be surprised when I tell you, that my opinion is less shaken than it was when I wrote last, so that when I had to revise the proof I erased a part of the note that I had previously written, and have now simply stated your opinion and added the Latin.
With reference to your last letter I think that you can scarcely have referred to the two passages which you mention as containing the expression—“obligatio ad peccatum;” for in the one (ix, iv, 5.) the words are—“sub pœnâ peccati,” and the other (ix, v, 6.) is the very one already under discussion.
I have not the edition of Bishop Sanderson to which you refer, but if you think it worth while to let me know the prelection in which the words occur, I will endeavour to examine them, though I am not sure I shall be able, as I have not all of them within reach.
I cannot imagine what I should have said which has led to the idea—“that the Catholic faith is commensurate with our judgments, and has no surer basis than opinion;” the basis of the Gospel is the revealed word of God, and that remains the same whatever be man’s opinion.
I remain, dear Sir,
Very faithfully yours,
Edward Hoare.
H. Waller, Esq.
8, New Square, Lincoln’s Inn,
January 8, 1852.