It may theorize, but never dogmatize, and it must _demonstrate_ at every step. Facts must not only support the theorem, but demonstrate the conclusions as inevitable, and the basis of all such actual demonstration must be a verifiable individual experience, with formulated laws and processes for its repetition, just as in physical science, in chemistry, and mathematics. Nothing less than this on any plane or in any department of investigation can enable the individual to declare "_I Know_." Demonstration is the sign manual of knowledge; Dogmatism the arrogance of ignorance. It is impossible to make these radical distinctions too clear and specific. When this method of Natural Science is applied to the investigation of religions, tradition is separated from fact, dogma from demonstration, miracle from natural law, mythology and folklore are found to be the fabric woven by the imagination of mankind around the receding revelations, deifying their authors, and mingling fact with fable, till the originals become unrecognizable. Romance and superstition become substitutes for simple Faith, moral law, and social Justice. To question or to repudiate the dogmas of superstition becomes a "mortal sin," even when the most plain and specific moral or ethical obligations are entirely subverted or reversed by dogmatic authority. It is thus that the original revelation is subverted and at last overthrown. From first to last, the whole fabric is claimed to be "sacred and divine," and to question it, "sacrilege" and "profanation of holy things." Thus, that which seemed originally as wings to the toiling, sorrowing children of men, becomes at last a "millstone about the neck," a "burden grievous to be borne." Then comes protest, repudiation, reform, and usually a new revelation, embodying the primitive faith, and adapting it to modern times and conditions. This is, in brief, the history of the Avatars of Ancient India, the Buddhas and the Zoroasters of later centuries; of the Greek Orpheus; of the legends and folklore clustering around many of the sages of Israel, and though in a less miraculous fashion, of Confucius and Laotse. But most patent of all does this principle apply to the founder of the Christian religion, because less ancient and more readily verifiable. Though no new Avatar is yet recognized, the _spirit_ of _modern science_ does not hesitate to repudiate myth, miracle, and superstition, and to insist on fact and natural law. ----- [1] See President Eliot's latest utterances. CHAPTER X CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCE The devout and conscientious believers in the Christian Religion of to-day often view with sorrow and alarm the encroachments of modern science.