“It does not matter about that just now. People,” continued Mr. Hillston, “frequently ask me the question which you have propounded. What is the use of preaching to men that are certain to be lost? You must not try to make me remove an objection which applies with as much force to your system as to mine. God commands us to preach the gospel to every creature, and that is reason enough. You remember that God commanded Ezekiel to preach to the dry bones in the valley. The prophet might have said, ‘What is the use? These bones have no life and no sense. They cannot hear: it is foolish to talk to them.’ But God said, ‘Preach to them.’ Sinners are in the condition of those dry bones; but God tells me to preach to them. I obey; I know not who are to be lost: my duty is to preach, and God quickens whom He will.” “I see the unfairness of my question,” said Ernest honestly. “But there is an absurdity in the doctrine of predestination, if I only knew how to point it out.” “Look here, my boy,” said Mr. Hillston kindly, “how can you call that an ‘absurdity’ which the Bible so clearly teaches?” “I beg pardon, Mr. Hillston; I will recall the offensive word. I will substitute the word injustice for absurdity.” “Your apology does not mend the matter,” answered Mr. Hillston, “for are you going to accuse God of injustice?” “No, sir; but the question is whether it is a doctrine of the Bible.” “Exactly. We agreed to let the Bible settle it,” said Mr. Hillston. “I have already called your attention to several passages which undoubtedly teach it. I can refer to instances and passages almost without number in the Scriptures. The Bible certainly is not silent on the subject, whether we can understand it or not.” “I cannot understand,” said Ernest, “how a man can be a free agent, and yet his destiny is already fixed.” “And yet, the Bible is full of instances which prove clearly that predestination and free agency operate in perfect harmony.” “Name one,” said Ernest. “Well, take the case of Judas Iscariot: it was predicted by Isaiah that the Lord Jesus should be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. Will you not admit that God had Judas in His mind, when this prophecy was made?” “Certainly,” replied Ernest, “for a betrayal necessarily implies a betrayer.” “Undoubtedly, because God could not foresee a betrayal disconnected entirely from any individual. You will also admit that after the prediction was made, it must be fulfilled, and Judas must betray Christ?” “I do not see that I must admit that.” “But you must, though,” said Mr. Hillston. “Why must I?” asked Ernest. “Well, suppose Judas had not betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver, what would have become of Isaiah’s prophecy? Would it not have been falsified?” “I suppose so,” said Ernest a little doggedly. “Suppose so!” cried Mr. Hillston. “How can there possibly be any doubt about it? After a prophesy is uttered, and even written down, it must be fulfilled, or God’s word is falsified.”