“True enough, but those certain parts of the Bible do not belong to the genuine Scriptures. Whatever you find in the Bible contrary to our rules and regulations you can safely conclude is an interpolation and does not form a part of the inspired Word. Let me assure you, Miss Church-Member, that our discipline was written with great care by eminent scholars of the Hebrew and Greek; therefore how could there have been any error in it?”
Miss Church-Member was slightly confused, and evidenced by her manner that she was ready to depart.
“May I ask before you go,” continued the minister, “whether you are willing to join our church?”
“I have been thinking,” she replied, “that I could do more good in my own church, not by fighting it, but by using _my_ influence quietly in trying to get some of its members to be more like I am. I have always had a missionary spirit. In that way I might satisfy my earlier ambitions and lead some one out of the mist into a better light.”
“A very bright idea,” testified Mr. World, advancing with Miss Church-Member toward the door.
“And may you succeed in your plans,” added the minister as they were stepping from the room. “There are millions who belong to my church in spirit, but who hold visible connection with some radical church of the King’s Highway. They are doing great service in eradicating old-time methods and planting the banners of a new liberty such as we three enjoy.”
CHAPTER XXI.
FROM THE VALLEY OF CONVICTION TO THE DEVIL’S AUCTION.
1. Depression of Miss Church-Member
2. The Merry Village.
3. The Famous Cross Roads.