| Henry Giles. | ||
| John Hamilton Thom. | ||
| February 21, 1839. | James Martineau. |
To the Revs. J. Martineau, J. H. Thom, and H. Giles.
Gentlemen,—Before we proceed with our proposed discussion, it is necessary to determine, with a little more of accuracy than has been hitherto stated, what our controversy is to be about.
We thought that you, in common with Unitarians generally, acknowledged the Scriptures of the New Testament, as contained in what is commonly called “The Unitarian or Improved Version,” to be inspired of God, and consequently of infallible truth.
This however you, as individuals, have disclaimed; and, therefore, we are compelled to ask what you do acknowledge Inspired Revelation?
Is our discussion to be,
1. Upon the meaning of a mutually-acknowledged standard of truth? Or,
2. Upon the question, Is there any such standard? And if so, what is it?
We affirm the inspiration by God of the Holy Scriptures, as contained in our authorized canon, and are willing to refer every question for decision to their ascertained meaning.