The two church-officials looked at each other in surprise. “Without doubt that is broad-minded theology,” first spoke Mr. Deacon.
“It is indeed refreshing in contrast with what we must hear repeatedly from the troublesome element in the church,” added the other.
“Will you not tell us how you also came to reach this favored place?” inquired Miss Church-Member, as she gave her attention momentarily to Mr. Deacon.
“It came about in a very odd manner. I had been wearing an old-style robe of righteousness, and gradually came to see that it was totally out of harmony with the higher thought of the age; so much so that I became odious to many liberal-minded people. A sharp struggle ensued between my conscience and my judgment. In the midst of this conflict I came to a place which offered to accept my old garments in exchange for seasonable attire. ‘Anything for peace,’ thought I; so I entered the establishment and selected this apparel, and these additional advantages. It cost me nothing but the mere willingness to exchange, and would I not have been foolish to refuse so much at so small a price?”
“Without a doubt,” quickly answered Miss Church-Member. The others forcibly confirmed her answer.
“After I had completed my bargain I continued my diligence in the work of the church and in traveling on the good old Narrow Way. I came to a place called God Praise, and got through with little difficulty; but voices from unseen creatures spoke terror to my soul. In this unhappiness I trudged along until I came to a narrow pass known as Sacrifice. Through it I could not go. I struggled again and again. I also heard a voice saying unto me: ‘If thou wilt wear the garments of salvation, and cast off these things of earth, then thou mayest pass through all thy sacrifice with ease and sweet delight.’
“The voice troubled me much, for I feared it spoke the truth. There did I spend a long season in mortal dread and doubt, and thought I would rather die than suffer thus. Suddenly, as if blind to it before, I saw a sign apparently moving in circles about me. It settled to my left and thus it read:
TO HEAVEN WITHOUT SACRIFICE.
“At once a smooth path opened to view, and I chided myself for having been blind to it so long. I entered upon it and hastily pursued my journey, and soon from thence passed upon this Broad Gauge Road. I traveled hereon for a long time when, to my delight, I came across Mr. Elder. I assure you we have had companionable seasons. We are on our road to Heaven and expect eventually to reach that place. Many persons of the Narrow Gauge Road have told us that we are wrong, deceived, and would be hopelessly lost if we do not change our course, but methinks that those people are disregarding the Bible where it saith, ‘Judge not that ye be not judged’; and ‘Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly.’”
“Ah! Mr. Deacon,” quickly complimented Mr. World, “you must be a champion in the use of Bible truth. How can these bigots expect to stand when such Scripture condemns them? It will be a joyful time for all of us when these self-righteous critics shall have pulled the beams out of their eyes and be able to see us in our real innocence.”