“He is looking this way.  The next thing you know he will throw some at us for whispering.”

This was Ernie’s attempt to quiet Marion’s tongue.  That or some other influence had the desired effect.  She whispered no more, and it was apparent in a very few minutes that she had become intensely interested in the theme and in the way it was being handled.  An eager examination of the programme disclosed what she began to suspect, that the subject was, “Difficulties in the Bible.”  Her intellectual knowledge of the Bible was considerable; and having read it ever since she could remember, with the express purpose of finding difficulties, it was not surprising that she had found them.

Something, either in the leader’s manner of drawing out answers, or the peculiar emphasis with which he contrived to invest certain words, had the effect to cause Marion to feel as though she had been very superficial in her reasoning and childish in her objections.  She grew eager her brain, accustomed to work rapidly and follow trains of thought closely, enjoyed the keen play of thought that was being drawn forth.

But there was more than that; almost unconsciously to herself this subject was assuming vital proportions to her; she did not even herself realize the intensity of the cry in her heart, “If I only knew whether these were so!” Presently the voice which had once before struck her as being so peculiar in its personality sounded distinctly down the long tent.

“Remember the conditions under which the Bible promise clear apprehension of the truth.”

It chanced—­at least that is the way in which we use language—­it chanced that Mr. Tyler’s eyes as he repeated these words rested on Marion.  Speaking of it afterward she said: 

“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 God 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 God’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?