"You don't believe, then, that the Bible is the inspired Word of God?"
"Not entirely—no, that is rather an old-fashioned belief."
"Then," said Brother Hallock, seriously, "it is no use for us to discuss. If one believes in the inspiration of the Bible, he can easily believe in revelation. Those two beliefs coupled together lay the foundation for our proofs. There is only one other way that you could accept our truths. That is by the testimony of the Holy Ghost."
"That is rather vague testimony," returned Mr. Soffy, smiling. "I must confess, much as I like to hear your beliefs, there is small chance of my accepting any of them. I belong to the new class of thinkers who pin their understanding to very little."
Venna was watching the two and feeling the contrast of character. Brother Hallock's face shone with the power of strong convictions. Mr. Soffy smiled with the tolerance of a wandering faith.
"However," added Mr. Soffy pleasantly, "Mrs. Hadly is a firm believer in the inspiration of the Bible from cover to cover, so she will be more apt to grasp your ideas."
"Yes, indeed," Venna said with a quiet reverence; "the Bible is God's Word to me. I have a testimony within me of that truth. I can't entirely explain it, but I know that testimony is of God, too."
"Spiritual things are spiritually discerned," returned Brother Hallock. "Thank God, you have that testimony to build upon."
Again the bell rang and Stella opened the door to the girls. They were all together, a pretty, laughing bunch. On seeing Mr. Soffy, they stopped at the door, suddenly quiet.
"You're not afraid of him?" Bessie disdainfully whispered.