We may argue about the Christian faith all we will, but the only way to
appraise its real merits is to apply the laboratory test. An ancient
singer challenges: “Oh, taste, and see that the Lord is good.” This is an
invitation to possess the knowledge of experience.
Certain things about Christianity must be taken by faith. Its practical
value, however, is demonstrable. It is demonstrated in our civilization.
It is seen in the new life of mission lands. It is revealed in the
personal experiences of twice-born men.
The testimony of opinion is uncertain. The testimony of experience is
final and unanswerable. Arguments on the existence of love do not count
with one who loves. The thing experienced demands no proof by
logical processes.
A laboratory test of anything demands two things. First, one must enter
the laboratory with an open mind. One does not go there to confirm his
prejudices, but to discover the truth. He must be willing to accept the
truth which he discovers. One cannot alter the truth to suit himself.
He must conform himself to the truth.
Second, the honest investigator in the laboratory must put a thing to a
complete and honest test. He must do so regardless of his own opinions or
desires. The explorer must fulfil all the conditions of discovery before
he announces his conclusions. One has no right to deny Christianity until
he knows it fully, and has proven it a failure by actual test.
Were this condition fulfilled there would be no unbelievers. The faith has
nothing to fear from being tested. Indeed, the more it is tested the
better. Whoever tries it honestly will find that it works. It can afford
to invite the pragmatic test, for it is supremely a workable religion. The
best things never can be adequately appraised at the first glance.
They must be tried.