The following letter is deeply interesting:—
J. R. Hope, Esq. to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.
35 Charles Street, Mayfair:
December 5, 1845.
Dear Gladstone,—I return Döllinger's letter, which I had intended to give you last night.
The debate has cost me a headache, besides the regrets I almost always feel after having engaged in theological discussions. A sense of my own ignorance and prejudices should teach me to be more moderate in expressing, as well as more cautious in forming opinions; but it is my nature to require some broad view for my guidance, and since Anglicanism has lost this aspect to me, I am restless and ill at ease.
I know well, however, that I have not deserved by my life that I should be without great struggle in my belief, and this ought to teach me to do more and say less.
I must therefore try more and more to be fit for the truth, wherever it may lie, and in this I hope for your prayers.
Yours affectionately,