Free On the Head of a Pin by Janet Kellough

admirers,” Betsy remarked, after the boys had all finally left, shuffling and grumbling.
    â€œYes,” Lewis agreed. “It wouldn’t surprise me if she were to marry one of them soon, but I don’t know which one. Probably one of the Caddick boys.”
    Betsy snorted. “Oh, she’s made her choice, don’t worry. She’s not ready to let anyone know it yet, that’s all.”
    â€œ Really? ” Unwilling to betray a confidence, he managed to put surprise into his voice. “So which one, do you figure?” He knew that Betsy was far more adept at reading female subtleties and that she probably already knew which one. But before she could answer, he realized that Morgan Spicer had hung back and obviously wanted to talk to him. He didn’t like the boy, and it bothered him because he had no reason for it, other than his rather unfortunate appearance. A physiognomist would claim that the close-set eyes indicated stealth, and that his small, low forehead was a sign of mental deficiency, but Lewis rejected these sorts of arguments. People look the way they look because God made them that way, and no matter what the outer mien might signify, salvation was available to all. It wasn’t the appearance he had decided, but the manner. Spicer seemed insincere, somehow, yet his words were good enough. There are too many mysteries today, Lewis thought. Too many things I don’t understand. Perhaps it would all be revealed to him in the fullness of time.
    He drew Spicer back inside to talk. He wanted, it seemed, to put in an application to be received on trial as an itinerant preacher.
    â€œBut it was only a few weeks ago that you joined us,” Lewis said. “Don’t you think this is all a little hasty?”
    â€œI am convinced of the true way,” Spicer returned. “I received such a blinding insight into the glory of the Lord that it has changed my life. I realize now how empty my life has been, and I want to take God’s great message to anyone who will listen. I am absolutely convinced that the Lord is calling me to go and do His work.”
    Lewis was not. He had been present at the great con – version and had seen Spicer’s eyes slide toward Rachel as he cried out to the Lord. He was resigned to accepting at more or less face value anyone’s repentance; after all, there was really nothing else he could do. Those who weren’t entirely sincere would certainly backslide, but at least they might have a few days or a few weeks when they would reform their sinful ways. But it was one thing for a mere member to dissemble; it was something else for one appointed to help lead the flock. Still, he could not in all good conscience discourage anyone from trying to do the Lord’s work.
    In order to be received on trial, Spicer must apply first to the Presiding Elder. He outlined the mechanics of the application and warned Spicer that he must make his case before the board.
    â€œYou need to be able to give very precise definitions of all the cardinal doctrines of the church and to prove them by quoting the pertinent passages in the Scriptures,” he advised.
    â€œSo, I need to memorize the Bible, is that what you’re saying?”
    â€œNo,” said Lewis. “You need to know it and understand it. And not only must you know your Bible, you must have at your fingertips information concerning your experience and education.”
    The boy looked a little disturbed at this. “What does it matter what books I’ve read, or what education I’ve had? All I want to do is to preach to the people. Why do I have to know anything but the Bible?”
    â€œBecause we are constantly accused of being ignorant, illiterate saddlebag preachers, that’s why. It’s hard to counter an accusation that’s true, you know. Have you had much schooling?”
    There were many in the colony, especially in the backcountry, who had never