Truth Rather Than Error
By Bishop E. O. Haven
“But why is truth preferable to falsehood? Is it universally conceded to be so? Is not a pleasing delusion better than a disagreeable fact? I have heard this doctrine maintained. It has even been said by divines, in their defense of the Christian religion, that were it not true, so pleasing is the doctrine of the love of Christ, so elevating to man is a belief in the immortality of the soul, so productive of the best interests of society are the practical teachings of the gospel, they would still defend it. I do not sympathize with that position. I would say, Let me have the truth, though it be bitter, rather than error, though it be sweet. I do not envy the lunatic his visions, though they make him laugh. If the temple I am building is only a cob-house or a palace of straw, let me know it, though all my hopes are dashed to the ground. I would rather die at once with truth than live any length of time with error.”—Bishop E. O. Haven.