P. of M.: With due respect for the Court of Quaker Opinion, we have the presence of mind to be directed by the highest faculty of humanity.

P. of S.: The Age of Reason proved itself to be no more enlightened, but yet more barbaric, than the so-called Dark Ages. Indeed, individuals found good arguments and nations promoted good reasons for self-interested policies that swiftly and mercilessly acted against anyone who stood in their way.

P. of M.: Science has established the need to follow one's own lights no matter where it takes you. We are on the threshold of de-mystifying everything, especially religion.

P. of S.: One's own lights hardly hold a candle to the Light offered by the presence of the Spirit. Rather than trial and error, our yielding to Spirit opens to us the heart of the matter.

P. of M.: We treat of objective reality that can be impartially verified.

P. of S.: Exactly - you treat subjects as objects and substance incrementally. You lose sight of the forest for the trees.

P. of M.: All great minds follow the path of knowledge which leads to understanding.

P. of S.: Rather, the path to knowledge, like the mystical tree in the Garden, stands over, not under, the object of its proving/verification. Yet, there is no real understanding without human suffering, and no true appreciation of humanity without the sacrifice of the Suffering One.  

P. of M.: We see no interest, let alone investment, in such thinking.

P. of S.: What a shame, for the down payment has already been secured.