"To the law and to the testimony," replied Durant, "and give me chapter and verse to substantiate the assertion you have just made."
"If you will read the 13th chapter of the 1st Corinthians, you will learn that 'whether there be prophecies they shall fail, and whether there be tongues they shall cease.'"
"If you will take pains to read the two verses following, you will see that 'we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.' My friend, instead of this quotation proving that these things are done away, it establishes the assertion that they shall remain until perfection shall come. Surely no reasonable man will say that we have come to perfection."
"I have understood that these gifts were no longer needed. This certainly is the conclusion that the ministers of the day have come to."
"But this is not surprising to me, for this good old Bible declares that the time will come when the people will turn from sound doctrine to fables." (II. Tim. iv: 4.)
"I must admit that you have convinced me that baptism is a necessity, and when I am baptized, the ordinance will be performed in the proper manner," said the doctor.
"I am pleased to learn that, but I may have another surprise for you yet. May I ask, who do you intend shall baptize you?"
"My minister, I suppose; why?"
"If the words of the Bible be true, there may be a doubt as to whether your minister is authorized to baptize you."
"Do you mean that these men, ministers of the gospel, have no authority to officiate in that ordinance? I wonder what you will undertake next, but proceed, for I am now prepared for surprises."