"I think," said Mr. Jodderel, "that the new members ought to know what ideas have already been presented, so as to throw any new light upon them, if they can. The nature of the kingdom of heaven, now, is the most important question suggested by the lesson, and—"
"It won't be of the slightest, consequence to any one," interrupted Principal Alleman, "unless they first comply with the condition which the verse imposes upon those who want to reach the kingdom."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," remarked President Lottson; "Jesus said that the poor in spirit should have the kingdom of heaven; He didn't say that no one else should share it with them. What is written doesn't always, express all that is meant."
"It doesn't in insurance policies, anyhow," said Squire Woodhouse; "when my barn burned—"
"Time is precious, my brethren," said Deacon Bates hastily, scenting a personality. "I will therefore ask Judge Cottaway for his opinion of the passage."
"I think," said the judge, with that impressive cough which is the rightful indulgence of a man who has written a volume on the rules of evidence, "that 'poor in spirit' undoubtedly means unassuming, rightly satisfied with what is their due, mindful of the fact that human nature is so imperfect that whatever a man obtains is probably more than he deserves. They cannot be the meek, for special allusion is made to the meek in this same group of specially designated persons. Neither can it refer to people who are usually called poor-spirited persons, to wit, those who are too devoid of what is commonly designated as spirit, for these are properly classified as peace-makers, and have a similar though not identical blessing promised to them."
"The class owes its thanks to the judge for his clear definition of the term 'poor in spirit,'" said Mr. Jodderel, "and if he can be equally distinct upon the expression 'kingdom of heaven' he will put an end to a great deal of senseless blundering."
"I know of but one definition," said the judge, "heaven is the abode of God and the angels, and of those who are finally saved."
"Ah, but where is it? that's the question this class wants answered," said Mr. Jodderel, twisting his body and craning his head forward as he awaited the answer.
"Really," said the judge, "you must excuse me. I don't know where it is, and I can't see that study as to its locality can throw any light upon the lesson."