Something He Did Know

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 23, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 28.

Something He Did Know.

IN former days candidates for admission to certain churches were examined as to their knowledge of sundry doctrines. Questions which no theologian could answer were gravely put to uneducated men, and even to boys. On the length of his reply and the frequency with which he used the stereotyped phrases depended, in some degree, the approval which the church committee showed the candidate.

Among the young people in a New England village who professed themselves Christians was a simple-minded youth of the smallest possible amount of wit consistent with moral responsibility. But being sincerely anxious to join the church, he presented himself to the church committee. The first question put to him was:—

"Do you understand the doctrine of the Trinity?"

"No, I can't say I do."

"Can you give the committee a definition of regeneration?"

"I don't think I can."

"Well, what do you understand by fore-ordination? Take plenty of time to answer," said a kind-hearted old deacon, thinking the candidate was confused.

"I don't know much about it."

"Can't you give us some opinion respecting God's decrees?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Well, then," said the minister, a little impatiently, "what do you know?" Promptly came the answer:—

"I know that I'm a sinner, and I know that Christ died to save me. And I want to join the church to get more help from Christ and his people."

Every member of that committee felt rebuked, and one of them said afterwards: "I learned from that moment to respect the spiritual knowledge of the humblest man or woman, and not to think so much of that knowledge which comes from the head alone."—Sel.