"I certainly will. I'd like to hear them myself. I may step in to-morrow."
"Any excuse was worth while, to see her," he thought.
And so they parted for the night, she with increased admiration for his goodness, and he with increased passion for her beauty and personality.
CHAPTER IX.
To be popular in the religious world today, one must smile upon any creed; believe nothing absolutely, and regard "Truth" as too delicate a thing to be handled.
The next day did bring a storm. It was just after lunch, and Venna was sitting in the living-room with the two preachers, earnestly discussing points of doctrine. Baby Anna sat in her high chair, happily surveying the party, as each one of whom gave her occasional amusement.
"Just think of a dear babe like that being considered a sinner," remarked Brother Johnson with a tender smile at Anna.
Anna smiled her approval at this remark and held out her chubby hand to be kissed.
"You're right," returned Venna, kissing the tiny fingers. "She's a little angel—all babes are. It's a repulsive thought to connect them with the sins of this world."
"Then it won't be hard for you to accept our doctrine of pre-existence," said Brother Hallock. "It is a beautiful revelation, given to us, I think, to inspire us to live up to our origin. We know that we are the spirit children of our heavenly Father and that we come to this world fresh from His loving care. Babies need no baptism. The early Church never thought of such a thing. Infant baptism came along with other man-made doctrines, when the Church began to apostatize from the truth."