Names are changed more readily than doctrines, and doctrines more readily than ceremonies.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Meanwhile the Church more and more provided for the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, by practically chaining His influence to the hierarchy and the sacraments.
Compare Scripture with Scripture. False doctrines, like false witnesses, agree not among themselves.
I have an intense dislike of doctrines, because you will always end up eating your words.
I would be cautious in embracing or rejecting doctrines. Had they been essential to our salvation, they would have been more explicitly declared in the Gospels, where we are so well taught the practice of every good word and work.
If you take different mythologies from different cultures, the names may change and the story lines may vary but there is always something in common.
Beneath all differences of doctrine or discipline there exists a fundamental agreement as to the simple, absolute essentials in religion.
All religions worthy of the name are now making great efforts to purify their doctrines and return to their original standpoint, all except Christianity! You surely know that the nineteenth century Christianity is not the religion taught by Christ. Christ's religion has been changed and corrupted.
Anybody who had come up with a new concept would have been under suspicion for being out of step with the tradition or out of step with the teachings of the church.
And there is a difference between the essence of a Sacrament and its use.
What makes all doctrines plain and clear? About two hundred pounds a year. And that which was proved true before, prove false again? Two hundred more.