“Pray tell me,” further asked Mr. World, “What was the trend of their suggestions?”
“I could relate it all, for I have every word recorded, but I shall not weary you.”
“But at least give me a general idea.”
“Willingly. One of my generals arose and said: ‘We can change some of our tactics without loss to our cause. The sword and torture only strengthen our enemies. We should resort more to the ‘wolf- in-sheep’s-clothing method.’
“He could speak no more. A thundering sound of voices drowned his utterances. Thousands of my loyal leaders seconded his plans.
“At last one of the speakers, who indeed won the prize, earnestly proposed a grand scheme, and the vast multitudes listened with rapt attention. His speech was short but fiery, and, rising to the occasion, he demanded that all his comrades should unite to destroy the simple voluntary spirit of Christian benevolence so that the church might go begging before the world and even resort to all manner of mercantile business for its support. The speaker declared that if the church could be induced to adopt such measures it would tend to divert her mind from interfering with the work to which he and his auditors were all loyally pledged.
“This speech had a marvelous effect, and there was a deafening roar of voices in the applause which continued for a long space of time.
“Then followed an animated discussion in which a host of trusted leaders engaged. Each one commented on the winning speech and offered suggestions how to awaken a trading interest in the church. It was conceded that first of all the church must feel the necessity of resorting to business. Accordingly a large committee was appointed to work systematically amongst the churches on earth, inducing their members to depart from the customs of the early church.
“This committee did yeoman service and shrewdly prepared the way for the more complete work in harmony with the views of Fast Devil. Through the ages it succeeded in gradually influencing the church to engage in all manner of performances and trading schemes to gain support. The work of this committee is not yet at an end, for nearly every week we hear of some innovation which has crept into the church, or some new form of merchandising into which it has fortunately entered.
“It is indeed gratifying that the church is casting off her unsightly spiritual robe and putting on the costume of merriment and trade. I hope the day will soon come when the church will have still less of the spiritual nonsense and more of these up-to-date methods to secure funds for its support.”