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Christian brothers and sisters, to explain to me this truth of history; I ask you to account for all this in the absence of your Christianity on the basis of your fearful dogma, that without the knowledge of your Christ and of your religion no good can come out of any Nazareth.
What then is the proper missionary method ? It speaks itself. It is to recognise and build upon the undoubted and unquestionable truth which is found in all religions--the wide world over, even our heathen religions of India. Instead of affirming universal depravity, change the diction and declare for universal goodness at bottom and truth the natural aspiration, looging and desire of every human soul. Instead of basing regeneration deliverance and liberation upon the vicarious atone ment of one or more Christs, affirm the right, the power, the privilege, the opportunity of every soul to assert itself by its own exertions, devotions, austerities and worship of the good, begin the ascent toward holiness, happiness and heaven. Dignify the present life by teaching its laws, its opportunities and its possible destinies. Exalt its worth by showing its origin in infinite wisdom and infinite goodness. Increase its pleasures by cultivating its intuitions, its intellectual and morel faculties. Lessen its burdens by recognising its worth, by encouraging its worship of that which is good and by pointing it toward the assured ultimate
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