If you cannot bear the probe, let us put on
the bandage again.
"I am not afraid of the probe, sir. Go on."
The name Christian includes all human perfection, does it not?
"Yes, and all God-like perfection in the human soul."
So we understand it. Now the fundamental doctrine of Christian life
is this:--"As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to
them."
"Faith in Christ is fundamental," you answer.
Unless we believe in God, we cannot obey his precepts. The
understanding must first assent, before the divine life can be
brought into a conformity with divine laws. But we are not assuming
theologic ground. It is the life to which we are looking. We said
"The fundamental doctrine of Christian _life_."
"All doctrine has relation to life, and I contend for faith as
fundamental."
We won't argue that point, for the reason that it would lead us away
from the theme we are considering. We simply change the form of our
proposition, and call it a leading doctrine of Christian life.
"So far I agree with you."
Then the way before us is unobstructed again. You asked us to show
you authority in the Bible for saying that a man cannot be a
Christian who is not a gentlemen. We point you to the Golden Rule.
In that all laws of etiquette, so called, are included. It is the
code of good breeding condensed to an axiom. Now it has so happened
that our observation of you, friend objector, has been closer than
may have been imagined.
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