"I think the secret of his influence lies in his humility and charity;" remarked Ida; "in his not holding himself so far above us 'deluded worldlings,' as certain of his brethren. He believes there is good in all; not that he is all-good."
"These all-good people are too apt to slam the door of Heaven, as soon as they are on the safe side, themselves;" answered Charley. "Lacy would be willing to see the whole human race saved."
"Who would not?" laughed Ida.
"'Who would not!' why, I honestly thought, before I knew him, that many professors of religion,—those of his denomination, especially—would be sorely chagrined at an event so opposite to their calculations."
"I wish I were as certainly 'predestinated' as he is;" said Lynn, with a smile and a sigh.
"I cannot quite subscribe to your 'election' principles; but if I were altogether such an one as he seems to be, I should consider my chance pretty safe;" returned Charley.
"You are not going, Ida!" remonstrated Mrs. Dana. "Stay all night with me."
"I cannot. We shall have a snow storm to-morrow, and I might be detained several days."
"No great harm if you are!" said Charley.
"Not if I have duties which call me home? I will come again shortly, but I must go now."