"But, sir, did you ever hear him preach?"
"No; I hope not," said the man.
"Then you may be misinformed as to what he does preach," said Mr. Ballou, mildly. "Now I think he would say, if he were here, that he did not believe nor preach as you have represented."
"But what does he believe, then?" said the stranger, somewhat earnestly.
"I think he would say that sinners are to be saved from their sins, not in their sins. Christ came to save the world from sin, not in sin; and furthermore we are told in the Scriptures that 'he that is dead is free from sin,' and he that is freed from sin must surely be holy, and consequently happy."
"Sir, if I may be so bold," said the stranger, after looking for a moment somewhat critically, "where do you live when at home?"
"I live in Boston, sir."
"Whose church do you attend?"
"Mr. Ballou's church, sir."
"What is your name?"