Nicodemus said: “How _can_ these things be?” He longed for proof, for demonstration. “_Proof_ is indeed the method of science, including theology; it has, no doubt, a function in religious teaching; but _it is not the method of the highest form of religious teaching_. The fundamental truths of religion are directly revealed to the human consciousness, and are not argued out or logically established.... _The greatest religious truths lie deeper than formal reasoning._ This is the reason why the _greatest religious teachers have worked below the proposition-and-proof level_; as said before, they have something of the prophetic gift. It may be added that no preacher [or teacher] who works mainly on this line will attract the most religious minds; he will not attract even those who have the piety of the intellect, to say nothing of the piety of the affections and the will. He may develop logical acumen, critical ability, and controversial power, but he will prove unequal to the generation of spirituality.... Such a minister will be sure to lead his flock into the error that is now far too common,—of assigning a disproportionate place in religious faith and life to the understanding, to the partial exclusion of the heart.”[49] [Sidenote: His pupils] His actual work as a teacher is seen in His dealings, first, with the apostles, His immediate followers, who were in training that they in turn might become teachers; second, with the multitudes who thronged His way; third, with the children who were brought to Him by mothers, and who were taught by Him, that mothers and apostles might the better know how to deal with youthful minds. Primarily, His was a training-school for workers, and His pupils represented every phase of human disposition. He chose humble fishermen, because their minds were unprejudiced, and they had less to unlearn before accepting the truth. “He knew what was in man.” That is, He had insight into the minds and hearts, and knew just what was needed to awaken the soul-life of each student. This is a necessary gift in the successful teacher. How much that is now taught would be dispensed with if teachers could read the soul conditions of pupils, and then feed them with only such food as would nourish. _This, too, is Christian education._ Before the teacher can have such an experience, however, he must have soul culture, and be in such close touch with the fountain of truth that he can draw whatever is needed. The well is deep, _and faith alone can bring the water of life to the surface_.[50] [Sidenote: His schoolroom the country.]