"A flattering estimate of their case, certainly!" said Guy. "But, notwithstanding, you might happen to find among them, those who know why they assemble, and could tell you of One who said, 'Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.'"
"Possibly, if you have been taking a class there, for I am at no loss to know your school of thought by this time. Then you think if I were to apply to your respected squire, my success is doubtful?"
"Not at all," said Guy; "you have but to talk about 'schools of thought' at the Moat House, and your design to grow on 'grapes on thorns,' and 'figs on thistles,' and the matter would be quite settled."
"Really! Are they so narrow? It is a sad weakness of the Evangelical school to think none can be right but themselves. I prefer the grand broad view of God the benevolent Father of the whole human family, and the universal brotherhood of man. It is the most comfortable, good-tempered view of things, I assure you, and gives a pleasant feeling towards one's fellow creatures."
"Ignorant rustics among the rest?" inquired Guy.
"Certainly. No rushing at people as if they were going to destruction, and fretting your soul because they won't be saved."
"But saying, 'Peace, peace, when there is no peace," said Guy indignantly. "No, sir, your school of thought has the wrong head-master; but go to the Moat, and listen to those who belong to the only school where effectual instruction can be had; they will tell you far better than I can of the claims it has on your reverend attention, and show you a standing more trustworthy than your shifting sands and slippery self-complaisance."
"If report speaks truly, you have no great reason to championise the present owner of The Moat," said the stranger carelessly.
"Then report as usual is false, sir," returned Guy, warmly. "It was a good day for me, and for all the Falcon Range, when it passed into the hands of its present owner."
"I beg your pardon, I thought it might be otherwise."