"I see. Meaning that my view is not necessarily the correct view."
The gentleman nodded courteously. He was not a collector for the society, nor a paid officer, but a man of means who was also noted for his benevolence.
"I have myself occasionally," he remarked, "given a donation to an object with which I was not in entire sympathy."
"When you decided to pay me a visit had you any hope of converting me?"
"Your conversion would give our society an immense impetus, but I had no hope of it. But there are men whose views are not so firmly fixed as your own, and I thought you would not object to assist them in the praiseworthy task of examining their consciences."
"Through a lens made of gold. In other words, giving them mercenary assistance to a spiritual conclusion."
"It is an original way of putting it," said the gentleman, greatly interested in the turn the conversation was taking.
"I cannot but consider the matter seriously," said Aaron, thoughtfully, "for there can be no doubt of your sincerity. Still, it occurs to me that if we were both equally sincere in our advocacy of objects of a similar nature, it would be as well that we should pause and ask ourselves this question. Instead of endeavouring to convert Jews or Christians to a faith in which they were not born, would it not be better to employ ourselves in the effort to make those who call themselves Christians true Christians, and those who call themselves Jews true Jews?"
"There is force in your argument, but it is no answer to my appeal for a contribution to the objects of my society."
"You can probably," Aaron then said, "furnish me with particulars of the working of your society."