_quality_ and _extent_ of scripture inspiration? The public are anxiously expecting an answer to this solemn query, and our present correspondence cannot close until it is answered. The way will then be clear for our approaching discussion through the press; we shall then understand each other, and shall have reconnoitred and appreciated the character of the field upon which we are to take up our respective positions. You say that “_truth_ is your object,” and not “personal championship.” Well, then, let us have _the truth_ upon Unitarian views of SCRIPTURAL INSPIRATION. All other argument can be only an unmeaning play of words until this point is settled. We are rejoiced to learn that you are satisfied with “the authorized version,” and “the received translation,” for the purposes of our present inquiry; and when you shall satisfy us that you admit the full inspiration of _all and every part_ of that volume, we shall be in a condition to inquire whether it presents “ampler and superior Scriptural evidence for Unitarianism than for Trinitarianism.” We remember that Mr. Belsham, in his Review of Mr. Wilberforce’s Treatise, has said, speaking of the texts usually quoted by Trinitarians in proof of the proper deity of Christ, that “Unitarians pledge themselves to show that they are _all_ either _interpolated_, _corrupted_, or _misunderstood_.”—Review, pp. 270, 272. They engage to get clearly rid of them altogether. _You_, it would appear, have given up the _interpolations_ and _corruptions_; the _misunderstandings_, we presume, still remain chargeable against us; but whether on the ground of _ignorance_, or of mistaken confidence in the _inspiration_ of the texts in question, we have yet to be informed. You will pardon my anxiety for an answer upon this head, bearing in mind that we regard it as opening wide a door for the introduction of _infidelity_, so to give up _any portion_ of the sacred volume as being not of inspired authority, as to render it doubtful whether _any portion_ does possess that authority, and thus entirely neutralize the effect of God’s message of mercy to the minds and hearts of men. I remain, Gentlemen, Yours, for the sake of the Gospel, February 18, 1839. FIELDING OULD. --------------------- _To the Rev. Fielding Ould._