Unitarianism appeals almost entirely to the head and but little to
the heart. It supplies a kind of abnormal stimulant to the intellect,
but usually freezes out the emotions. It is like the arctic regions,
where they have six months of light, but no heat, and where
consequently there is no growth of any kind. It is broad, but really
superficial and shallow. It is like a piece of rubber stretched over
a wide surface; it is wide, but it becomes very thin. Emerson seemed
to recognize how shallow rationalism makes people when he declared
that "a small consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds--little
philosophers, little statesmen and little divines." The finite mind
cannot see the consistency of the great and deep truths of life and
God. To try to deal with these great questions with human logic is
like manipulating a circle with a break in it. Each reasoner calls
attention to the break in the circle of logic of others, but
dexterously manipulates his own circle so as to hide its missing
link.

Rationalism is a delusion and a snare, and, when followed to its
logical conclusion, leads to absurdity and death. Fortunately, most
people who are tainted with this disease do not follow it to its
legitimate conclusions. Through preconceived and inherited ideas and
sentimental inertia, they are held to their moorings. But,
unfortunately, their pupils are not always thus protected. Many
preachers who are held in their place by religious habits and
associations, give expression to rationalistic ideas that take
lodgment in the minds of young men who are not surrounded with
religious habits and associations to hold them; and who, following
these rationalistic ideas to their logical conclusion, are led to
doubt and confusion. I believe that hundreds of thinking young men
have been led away from Christ and the church in this way, all