He seemed unable to comprehend me, and I was obliged to enter into an explanation, which I made as simple as possible, of course, relative to the curse of Adam and the plan of redemption. In order that he might understand the importance attaching to our creeds, I told him of the fierce, sanguinary struggles of past ages, and the grave controversies of modern times, pertaining to certain dogmas and tenets,—as to whether they were essential, or non-essential to salvation.
“Salvation from what?” he asked.
“Why, from sin.”
“But how? We know only one way to be saved from sin.”
“And what is that?” I inquired.
“Not to sin.”
“But that is impossible!” I rejoined, feeling that he was trifling with the subject. Though that was unlike him.
“Yes, it is impossible,” he replied, gravely. “God did not make us perfect. He left us something to do for ourselves.”
“That is heretical,” said I. “Don’t you believe in the Fall of Man?”
“No, I think I believe in the Rise of Man,” he answered, smiling.