Radicalism: When Reform Becomes Revolution: The Preface to Hooker's Laws: A Modernization

by Richard Hooker

“it is not how passionately someone is convinced, but how soundly they argue, that should convince us that their views genuinely come from the Holy Spirit, and not from the deceit of that evil spirit”

I know I have little reason, beloved, to expect from you anything but your usual harshness and bitterness toward all who disagree with you, but this bitterness will never drown the love which we have for all who claim the name of Christ. Man is naturally impatient when it comes to insults and slanders, but we hope that the God of peace will give us the grace to be patient, for the sake of the work which we desire to complete.

Whatever we do, if our own secret judgment does not consent to it, the same is sin, even if it be permissible

Therefore, it is not how passionately someone is convinced, but how soundly they argue, that should persuade us that their views genuinely come from the Holy Spirit, and not from the deceit of that evil spirit, so strong even in his illusions. (11.)