“What are you trying to convert people to?” Mark solemnly inquired.

“What are we trying to convert people to?” echoed Mr. Bullock and Mr. Smillie in unison.  Then the former became eloquent.  “We’re trying to wash ignorant people in the blood of the Lamb.  We’re converting them from the outer darkness, where there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, to be rocked safe for ever in the arms of Jesus.  If you’d have read that tract I handed you a bit more slowly and a bit more carefully, you wouldn’t have had any call to ask a question like that.”

“Perhaps I framed my question rather badly,” Mark admitted.  “I understand that you want to bring people to believe in Our Lord; but when by a tract or by a personal exhortation or by an emotional appeal you’ve induced them to suppose that they are converted, or as you put it saved, what more do you give them?”

“What more do we give them?” Mr. Smillie shrilled.  “What more can we give them after we’ve given them Christ Jesus?  We’re sitting here offering you Christ Jesus at this moment.  You’re sitting there mocking at us.  But Mr. Bullock and me don’t mind how much you mock.  We’re ready to stay here for hours if we can bring you safe to the bosom of Emmanuel.”

“Yes, but suppose I told you that I believe in Our Lord Jesus Christ without any persuasion from you?” Mark inquired.

“Well, then you’re saved,” said Mr. Bullock decidedly.  “And you can ask the landlord for our bill, Mr. Smillie.”

“But is nothing more necessary?” Mark persisted.

“By faith are ye justified,” Mr. Bullock and Mr. Smillie shouted simultaneously.

Mark paused for a moment to consider whether argument was worth while, and then he returned to the attack.

“I’m afraid I think that people like you do a great deal of damage to Christianity.  You only flatter human conceit.  You get hold of some emotional creature and work upon his feelings until in an access of self-absorption he feels that the universe is standing still while the necessary measures are taken to secure his personal salvation.  You flatter this poor soul, and then you go away and leave him to work out his own salvation.”

“If you’re dwelling in Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus is dwelling in you, you haven’t got to work out your own salvation.  He worked out your salvation on the Cross,” said Mr. Bullock contemptuously.

“And you think that nothing more is necessary from a man?  It seems to me that the religion you preach is fatal to human character.  I’m not trying to be offensive when I tell you that it’s the religion of a tapeworm.  It’s a religion for parasites.  It’s a religion which ignores the Holy Ghost.”

“Perhaps you’ll explain your assertion a little more fully?” Mr. Bullock invited with a scowl.

“What I mean is that, if Our Lord’s Atonement removed all responsibility from human nature, there doesn’t seem much for the Holy Ghost to do, does there?”