VII I A SOLDIER. But why this zeal for a regular ordained ministry? "Eldred and Medred," we are told, prophesied in the camp." And Moses said: “Would that all the Lord's people were prophets." PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. A prophet is not the same as a preacher, see 1 Cor. xii. 28. But that I will not press. Prove me that your army preachers are prophets, and I will not quarrel about their ordination. But fluent discourse is not to be mistaken for the inspiration of the Spirit. SOLDIER. Still less is mechanical learning, and a knowledge of Scripture. What else should testify of the Spirit but His presence felt within? PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. "Believe not every spirit," says St. John, "but try the spirits whether they are of God." SOLDIER. Well, all that I urge is merely the liberty to try them; whereas you would predetermine the question by an external test of ordination. PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. And I have good authority. See Acts i. 21, 22: “Wherefore of these men must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." SOLDIER. What does that prove? That was a special case; besides, who knows what "ordained" may mean? There is nothing said of a formal ceremony. PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. There, too, I have you! Acts xiii. 3: “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they went their way.” Here we have the description of a formal act. See also Acts xiv. 23, and many other passages to which I might refer you. SOLDIER. Doubtless you can quote forever; so could I if I had as good a memory. And what comes of it all? I have heard divines dispute; they will cap citations by the hour or the day; and what is gained in the end? Each interprets the Scripture in his own way, and proves with sufficient ease the theory he is predetermined to believe. PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER. Do you deny the authority of the Scriptures? SOLDIER. I don't say that I do; but I believe my interpretation to be as good as yours. I mean no |