Live to explain thy doctrine by thy life.
- Matthew Prior,

Live to explain thy doctrine by thy life.
- Matthew Prior,

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric
ever poured forth by the genius of man.

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric
ever poured forth by the genius of man.

Doctrine is nothing but the skin of truth set up and stuffed.

Doctrine is nothing but the skin of truth set up and stuffed.

And after hearing what our Church can say,
If still our reason runs another way,
That private read more

And after hearing what our Church can say,
If still our reason runs another way,
That private reason 'tis more just to curb,
Than by disputes the public peace disturb;
For points obscure are of small use to learn,
But common quiet is mankind's concern.

What makes all doctrines plain and clear?--
About two hundred pounds a year.
And that which was read more

What makes all doctrines plain and clear?--
About two hundred pounds a year.
And that which was prov'd true before
Prove false again? Two hundred more.

Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side
In the cause of mankind, if our creeds read more

Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side
In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree?
Shall I give up the friend I have valued and tried,
If he kneel not before the same altar with me?
From the heretic girl of my soul should I fly,
To seek somewhere else a more orthodox kiss?
No! perish the hearts, and the laws that try
Truth, valour, or love, by a standard like this!

I think a man's duty is to find out where the truth is, or if he cannot, at least to read more

I think a man's duty is to find out where the truth is, or if he cannot, at least to take the best possible human doctrine and the hardest to disprove, and to ride on this like a raft over the waters of life

He was the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it;
And what that read more

He was the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it;
And what that word did make it,
I do believe and take it.

The (Christian) "doctrines" are translations into our concepts and ideas of that which God has already expressed in language more read more

The (Christian) "doctrines" are translations into our concepts and ideas of that which God has already expressed in language more adequate, namely the actual incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection