human
I hardly know what to reply, said Stone.
gpt
Many things connected with this revival are mystifying to me; and, besides, he went on, smilingly,
human
But, Stone, Abner exclaimed,
gpt
Certainly not, Stone replied.
human
The Bible plainly teaches that without the unceasing instrumentality of the Holy Spirit there can be no real conversion; but nowhere in the Bible can I find it taught that we should seek in supernatural signs and special revelations, rather than in the clear and unchangeable testimonies and promises of the gospel, for evidence of our acceptance with God. In fact, I can find in the New Testament no account of any miraculous manifestation being sent for the sole purpose of converting any one, although there are instances where a miracle did attend the conversion.
gpt
What about Paul?
human
The voice and the great light were, I think, sent more for the purpose of making him an apostle than for the purpose of converting him.
gpt
You certainly dispose of Paul's case in a cool, offhand way; but how about the 'Philippian jailer'?
human
You misunderstand me, said Stone;
gpt
Then, in the name of reason and common sense, what do you think it was sent for?
human
To free the two apostles. Through their imprisonment the gospel was enchained. For example, suppose some malicious boy hurls a stone to break a neighbor's window, and, in so doing, hits some one inside the house. He did not therefore throw the stone for the purpose of hitting the person, did he?
gpt
You're a Stone too many for me, laughed Abner.
human
Your subtle reasonings and hair-splitting distinctions are too much for me to attempt to disprove, on such a broiling hot day as this.
gpt
Brother Stone! Brother Stone!
human
Coming! shouted Stone in reply.
gpt
I have an appointment at three o'clock with some of the brethren, he explained.
human
It must be fully that hour now; so I must hurry back. After all this excitement is over, I will talk further with you, Dudley, on the subject we were discussing. Will you return with me now?
gpt
No, replied Abner, throwing himself down at full length on the grass under the big elm, and drawing his hat over his face.
human
I'd rather stay here and commune with nature. I want to think over what you've been saying--and see if I can't find arguments to confute you.