Part 25 (1/2)
”So far as the impression made on me was concerned, it was the same as though he had said: 'Do you understand what an idiot you have been not to take that cardinal point into consideration at all? Open your Bible and read, and see how like a weak-minded babe you are.'”
Beside her lay a Bible just dropped by some one who had been called out.
Following out the impulse of the moment she turned to the reference, and her clear voice gave it distinctly:
”If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of G.o.d or whether I speak of myself.”
The effect of this simple, straightforward and reasonable proposition, on sounding back to her spoken by her own voice, was tremendous. Very little more of the talk did she hear. A thrust, from G.o.d's own sword had reached her. What a fool she had been! What right had she to presume to give an opinion before applying the test? Had not the most common-place statements a right to be tried by their own tests? Yet she had never given this simple direction a thought.
So this was the Bible promise? ”He _shall_ know.” Not that these things are so, but a more logical, more satisfactory statement to the natural heart. He shall judge for himself whether these things be so; follow the directions, and then judge by your experiences after that whether these things be true or false. Could anything be more reasonable?
”I shall never dare to say that I don't believe the Bible again, for fear some one will ask me whether I have applied the test, and if I have not what business have I to judge. That man now, if I should come in contact with him, which I shall endeavor not to do, would be sure to ask me. He has almost the same as asked it now, before all these people. He has a mysterious way of making me feel as though he was talking for my confusion and for n.o.body else.”
This Marion told to herself as she eyed the leader, half sullenly. He had strangely disturbed her logic and set her refuge in ruins.
”Let's go,” she said suddenly to Eurie. ”I am tired of this; I have had enough, and more than enough.” But the hour was over, and she had had all that was to be secured from that source.
All the younger portion of the congregation seemed to be rus.h.i.+ng back up the hill again, and inquiry developed the fact that Mrs. Clark was to meet the primary workers in the large tent. It was wonderful how many people chose to consider themselves primary workers? At least they rushed to this meeting, a great army of them, as though their one object in life, was to learn how successfully to teach the little ones. Our girls all met together in the tent. Ruth and Flossy had finished their preparations, but had concluded to wait until afternoon service.
”I declare if _you_ are not armed with a pencil and paper. Have you been seized with a mania for taking notes?” This Eurie said to Ruth. ”Now I'm going to get out _my_ note book too. Here is a card--it will hold all I care to write I dare say. Let me see, who knows but I shall go to teaching in Sabbath-school one of these days! I am going to make a list of the things which according to Mrs. Clark, we shall need.”
True to her new fancy, she scribbled industriously during the session, and showed her card with glee as they left the tent.
”I've a complete list,” she said. ”If any of you go into the business I can supply you with the names of the necessary tools. Look!
”A blackboard.
”A picture roll.
”A punch!
”Cards.
”Brains!
”Blank book.
”Children.
”More brains!
”That last item,” she said, reflectively, ”is the hardest to find. I had no idea so much of that material was necessary. Now let me see what is on your papers.” This even Marion stoutly resisted. And Flossy quietly hid hers in her pocket, saying with a smile:
”Mine is simply a list of things needful for such work.”
If she had shown her paper it would have astonished Eurie, and it might have done her good. This was what she had written:
”What I need in order to be a successful teacher.
”Such a forgetfulness of self as shall lead me to think only of the little ones and their needs.