Bible Education vs. Theological Training.
THE Advance gives an account of the ordination, some years ago, of an old man in Virginia, who, although uneducated, was very devoted, and quite familiar with the Bible. His limited education would not allow of his reading anything else. He was averse to being ordained, but had proved himself so efficient a laborer among the mountain people that the Presbytery were determined to ordain him. Accordingly he was examined. We copy a few of the questions and answers, as they exhibit the difference between an education derived from the Bible alone, and one obtained from theological works:— Moderator. "Mr. Leland, do you belive that God had a people, chosen and elect, before the foundations of the world?" Leland. "I don't know what God was doin' before he made the world. Don't know anything about it. I a'n't a educated man." Moderator. "Mr. Leland, we have heard of your Christian life, of your efficiency and your success, and we are met to ordain you to the ministry of the gospel. This is a solemn occasion, and you must not make light of the questions. Now, I want to know if you believe in the total depravity of mankind?" Leland. "No, I don't, if you mean by that that men are as bad as they can be, for the devil a'n't any worse that, you know." Moderator. "Do you believe in imputed righteousness, and that it is sufficient to save all who have faith?" Leland. "I don't know any righteousness that will save a man who won't do right himself." Moderator. "Do you believe in the final perseverance of the saints?" Leland. "I don't know what that means." Moderator. "Well, you believe that all who are converted will be kept, and not fall away." Leland. "Oh, I don't know how it is down in the settlements, among the educated, but I tell you up where we live, we have the awfullest cases of backsliding." Moderator. "But, Mr. Leland, you certainly believe that when a man is converted he will be kept in some way, and finally saved?" Leland. "I cannot tell much about that, till I am saved myself. Don't know anything about it now." Moderator. "Mr. Leland, you certainly desire to see all men come to repentance, and turn to righteousness. Your acts show that. We have heard of your self-sacrificing spirit, your love for mankind, and all your good works to win sinners to the gospel and repentance." Leland. "Mr. Moderator, I'll tell you the honest truth. I am a little ashamed of it, but it is God's truth just as I tell you. Some days I do feel that way, and then again some of them act so bad I don't care if the devil gets half of them." In spite of his ignorance of theology, and the honesty of his last answer, he was ordained, and, we doubt not, did as effectual work for the Master as those who were thoroughly familiar with the Westminster Confession.