counter argument considered and refuted. The answer given to Max's
view by Dean Mansel, in Aids to Faith,' considered and refuted.
Basil, following the Bishop of Ely, insists upon the fanatical ten-
dencies of conscience, when unchecked by authority. Leonard shows
that every case mentioned by Basil in support of his view, is an in-
stance of dogmatic fanaticism. Max shows that whilst fanatical ex-
cesses have never accompanied the profession of what he has defined
as 'faiths,' the history of dogma is throughout a history of the most
revolting fanatical excess. Basil and Conway maintain that the good
avowedly resulting from Christianity, must be attributed to Christi-
anity as a whole-that is to say, to a religion compounded of dogmas
as well as faiths. Leonard and Max deny the soundness of this view,
or its logical bearing upon the question at issue. Conway, referring
to Dr. Newman's Grammar of Assent,' maintains that the thought
or image of Christ' underlies all that Christianity has done, and that
this thought or image has always had a dogmatic foundation.
Leonard denies this, and supports his denial. Basil then refers to the
testimony of Christian missionaries as proving that the dogma of the
Atonement is more influential in converting sinners, than any of the
doctrines which Max calls faiths. Leonard points out a glaring
fallacy in the missionary reasonings on this subject. Max contrasts
the practice of modern missionaries with that of Christ; and, bringing
together a mass of evidence from Africa, China, India, and Europe,
shows that, not only does the doctrine of the Atonement repel more
persons than it attracts, but that in dealing with large masses of
human beings, faiths are more influential than dogmas. Diverse
views of Christ's nature. Basil insists upon the impossibility of keeping
alive religion without a ritual, or a ritual without dogma. Max admits
the immense importance of congregational worship; but thinks that
it would flourish better without dogmas than with them. Emerson's
opinion on the point. Leonard sums up the result of the discussion.
The friends part
PAGES 205-281