MR. WORLD AND MISS CHURCH-MEMBER

A TWENTIETH CENTURY ALLEGORY

BY
REV. W. S. HARRIS.

to
Edwin L. Bergstreser

WHOSE TESTED FRIENDSHIP I HAVE
ENJOYED FOR NEARLY TEN YEARS AND
WHOSE KINDLY INFLUENCE HELPED
ME TO PERSEVERE IN WRITING
THIS ALLEGORY
THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY
DEDICATED.

Preface.

After long and careful study we send forth this book to do its work. We offer no apology for adding one more volume to the endless library of modern times, constantly increasing at the rate of over one hundred volumes per week, the great bulk of which is consigned to the debris of the passing years. We pray that this book may find a field of usefulness rather than an early grave.

We need not tell of the pleasures and difficulties we experienced in preparing these twenty-five chapters for the press. Let it be known, however, that we were seconded and assisted by several able critics who, each one independently of the others, kindly reviewed the manuscript. At the suggestions of these critics minor changes were made in the several manuscript editions. These critics deserve much credit especially for the literary finish there may be to this book.

The illustrations were drawn by Paul J. Krafft, of New York. They evince patient study and careful work, and display a creative genius well suited to the field of allegory.

The leading moral truths are developed in the memorable journey of Miss Church-Member upon the Broad Highway in company with the polite and yet fiendish Mr. World. In this lifelike journey the two companions come in contact with many of Satan’s up-to-date schemes, and witness his far-extended operations in many a wicked realm. In the descriptions of all these things we have endeavored to be suggestive rather than exhaustive, for we have withheld the almost infinite details and brought to light only a mere synopsis of the panorama as seen from the lofty summit.

Will not the reader, as he takes one step after another in the progress of the story, realize more keenly than ever the unspeakable deceptions of Satan, so bewitchingly robed in the garments of subtle treachery? The course of Miss Church-Member is a sad comment on the moving masses who are so thoroughly led captive by the Devil as to imagine that they are traveling on a more convenient way to Heaven while they are actually on the Broad Highway to destruction. The logical ending of such a life is pictured in the remorseful and tragical experiences of Mr. World and Miss Church-Member in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It is our prayer that each reader may be saved from such a terminus of life by journeying on the King’s Highway and taking Christ as his all in all. Then when he comes to the place made shadowy by the power of sin and death, he will be surrounded with a light from the sure city of God, and by a convoy of angels whose music will quell his rising fears and by whose power he will be transported to his never-ending home.

THE AUTHOR.

Contents

[1. The Meeting of Mr. World and Miss Church-Member]
[2. The By-Path]
[3. The Devil’s Optical College]
[4. Satan Interpreting Scripture]
[5. The Devil’s Pawn Shop]
[6. Satan’s Law Departments, (Underground)]
[7. The Hill of Remorse]
[8. The Valley of Temptation]
[9. The Tower of Temptation]
[10. Dark Schemes of Satan]
[11. Schools of Literature,—First and Second Divisions]
[12. The Theatre]
[13. Schools of Literature,—Third Division]
[14. The Devil’s Temperance College]
[15. Infernal School System]
[16. Expert Inventors of the Broad Highway]
[17. The Wizard City]
[18. The Festival]
[19. The Missionary College]
[20. The Rival Churches]
[21. From the Valley of Conviction to the Devil’s Auction]
[22. The Devil’s Hospital]
[23. Satan’s Secret Service]
[24. The Last Warning]
[25. The Valley of the Shadow of Death]

List of Illustrations.

[1. Looking through the open door of the Twentieth Century]
[2. Miss Church-Member hurries to the rescue of an unfortunate victim]
[3. “Let us follow this shining path,” hopefully urged Miss Church-Member]
[4. Leaving the Optical College]
[5. A scene in the Devil’s Pawn Shop]
[6. The Shorter and Broader Way to Heaven]
[7. The final triumph of right over the black hordes of civil iniquity]
[8. On the Hill of Remorse]
[9. The victory of Mrs. Discouraged on the Tower of Temptation]
[10. The Devil’s substitute for the prayer-meeting]
[11. A scene in the Devil’s Temperance College]
[12. The Wizard City]
[13. The Festival]
[14. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member entering the Valley of Conviction]
[15. The Devil’s Auction]
[16. Miss Church-Member carried to the Devil’s Hospital]
[17. Struggling with the real and imaginary imps near the Black River]
[18. The glorious end of the righteous]

Introduction

BY BISHOP RUDOLPH DUBS, D. D., LL. D.

In response to the earnest request of the author of this book I have written these introductory words, after a careful, deliberate reading of the allegory. What I have written expresses my own opinion of the book, uninfluenced by motives of friendship for the author or any other consideration.

The book is a powerful allegory, somewhat after the style of Pilgrim’s Progress, but in no sense is it an imitation of any existing work of the kind. It is a masterful presentation, wrought out with excellent judgment and consummate skill.

The creatures of the author’s vivid imagination are perfectly formed and fittingly clothed, living, moving, feeling, talking, in complete harmony as the development of the great drama goes on to its consummation. The author has evidently made a careful and profound study of the manifold dangers which beset the Christian church and threaten her spirituality, and consequently her influence and power in saving the lost and maintaining the gospel standard of life and godliness in the world.

The encroachments of worldings upon the church are truthfully and graphically set forth. The manifold forms of temptation and danger are clearly exposed, and faithful, tender, earnest warnings and admonitions are set over against them. In depicting the various efforts of Satan and his agents to lead Christians away from God and duty, the author shows an extensive knowledge of the devices of the evil one, as well as a clear insight into the drift and tendency of modern forms of wickedness.

The final results of compromise with the world are set forth in vivid, graphic pictures drawn on the dark shadows as with a pencil of fire. The downward course of the deluded soul is followed, step by step; the snares and delusions of sin are exposed; the mask of vice is relentlessly torn away, and church-members can here see what fellowship with the world really means and whither it leads.

The religious tone of the book throughout is excellent. The delusive character of sin is plainly pointed out. The devices of Satan are laid bare with unsparing hand. The abominations of vice are not concealed. All this is done in language well chosen and unexceptionable. The Christian life is pictured without cant or exaggeration. The beauty and blessedness of a devoted life are eloquently portrayed. True religion with its present comforts and its great rewards is presented in a most attractive form, and the contrast between the worlding and the faithful Christian, here and hereafter, is impressively set forth.

With this favorable opinion of the book, to whose edifying pages I introduce the reader, I deem it proper for me also to recommend it most heartily as a book worthy of a place on every family table and in every Sunday-school library. Let young and old read its fascinating and instructive pages. Let it be circulated by hundreds and thousands of copies. May the blessing of God attend the book in its mission and ministry wherever it is read.

RUDOLPH DUBS.

Chicago, Ill., March, 1901.

CHAPTER I.
THE MEETING OF MR. WORLD AND MISS CHURCH-MEMBER

1. The dying of a century compared to the waning of a day.

2. The allegory opens with a panoramic view of human life, as seen through the open door of the twentieth century, on the Broad Highway and King’s Highway. Blackana is introduced.

3. Mr. World meets Miss Church-Member at a place called Fellowship. From here she journeys with him on the Broad Highway where she witnesses several sad endings of human life.

In the closing hours of a long day I climbed a rugged path to a high eminence whence I overlooked a beautiful valley and watched, with increasing delight, the changing hues of earth and sky.

As the shadows of twilight were deepening each moment grew more strange and mysterious until the waning day seemed to be transformed into the dying of the century. Then I saw, as “through a glass darkly,” the whole panorama of human life, with its painful pictures of sadness and sin, and its blessed scenes of peace and righteousness. I also heard the unmistakable wails of a suffering humanity and the turmoils of myriad contentions, all strangely mingling with the songs of glory and the shouts of spiritual triumph.

In deep silence I continued looking upon these endless confusions of the church and the world as they still played their perplexing parts in the fitful drama before me. All of this so preyed upon my mind that I involuntarily cried out, in the anguish of my soul: “When will confusion come to an end, and sweet peace cover the earth as the waters cover the sea?”

“Will you wait for the winds to answer, or shall I?” replied a voice so passing strange that I was startled.

I turned to see in whose presence I was and, to my horror, I beheld a dark creature unlike any mortal being. He was without definite form and not cumbered with any garments. His indescribable face was set with two bright eyes, softened in expression until a slight halo revealed to me a countenance half beautiful and half terrible. “Who are you, and what is your mission?” I finally ventured to ask after speech had found my lips, for I was altogether ignorant of his nature or purpose.

“I am Blackana, from the lower world of spirits, and am commanded here to stay until released.”

Looking through the open door of the Twentieth Century.

“Until released? What power binds you here, and how long will you abide?” I asked in dread suspense. “I must remain, as your companion and interpreter, until the vision is past.”

I trembled under these announcements, but I was assured that underneath me were “the everlasting arms” and, moreover, I heard a still, small voice whispering within me: “Stand still, O mortal man! Neither Blackana nor any of his horde shall do thee harm. He hovers before thee at my bidding, and will leave thee only at my command. Ask him what thou wilt, and he must answer thee, even to the limit of his knowledge.”

At this juncture, and without a moment’s warning, my vision was enlarged and an unusual light flashed upon me. Quickly I cast my wondering eyes all about me and saw that I was standing at the very threshold of a great door. It was of such imposing dimensions and so magnificently constructed that only the architects of Heaven could have designed it.

Instinctively I turned to Blackana, whom I could now face without fear: “Where are we, and what is the meaning of this great door?” And as I spoke unseen hands swung it open upon its hinges.

“We are standing at the open door of the twentieth century. You may look out into the coming years as far as you wish,” replied Blackana in a cold, indifferent manner.

Thrilled by such an unusual sight, and the thought which his interpretation and words suggested, I marveled at his sullenness, for Blackana did not so much as lift his head to see the spectacle.

“O, Blackana!” I cried, “why are you so dead to such surroundings?”

“These are mere playthings,” was his gruff reply. “To me the doors of the centuries, which open and shut on the cycles of time, are as trifles, neither lessening my misery nor adding to my pleasure.”

During a brief, thoughtful silence I continued looking at him, as a shudder swept my whole being. I then turned from this creature so shrouded in mystery and, stepping forward to look through the open door, I was suddenly overawed at the still greater scenes which spread in wondrous panorama before my entranced vision.

Under the new light I beheld a marvelous sight, for I could distinctly see the myriad millions of humanity moving on the paths of life toward a common goal.

In the bright halo of the scene I saw the beautiful King’s Highway, on which were marching the hosts of the church militant, led triumphantly by the Spirit of God to the very gates of the Celestial City, which, though distant, I could yet see under the dazzling light radiating from the central throne of glory as from untold suns.

In the darker shadows of this same panorama I saw the Broad Highway with its thronging multitudes. Some, with deliberate step, scrutinizing the objects along the way; others, in mad haste, rushing on toward an awful destruction whose wreck and ruin loomed up dimly in the glare of an eternal burning.

Among the happy pilgrims of the King’s Highway was one named Miss Church-Member, who had left the Broad Way of death, and entered, through Christ, into that marvelous light wherein she was now walking. Her tread was in sweet harmony with the footsteps of her Master, and her beautiful face was all aglow with the passion of pure love.

A pilgrim’s robe added beauty to her form; a Bible, carried under her arm, gave some evidence of her spiritual character; and a religious emblem, worn over her heart, told that she was a member of some Christian organization.

Miss Church-Member, in traveling her chosen path, tarried at a place called Fellowship which occupied a pleasing site close by the King’s Highway. Here one could readily speak and associate with the travelers who moved in gay companies along the Broad Highway.

At this visiting place she met a certain Mr. World—a good, jolly fellow, of corpulent build, who was attired in the fashion of the day, and bore himself with more than usual jauntiness in the presence of Miss Church-Member.

After a pleasing conversation, in which Mr. World plied his Satanic shrewdness and sophistry, he was emboldened to give this brief invitation: “Will you journey a short distance with me on this Broader Way that I may prepare myself, with more facility, to accompany you where you wish, even on a path as narrow as the one you seem to love?”

“Ah, Mr. World,” she said, with a tolerant smile, “do you not know that you are walking on the way of danger and death? Why would you have me share your folly? It were a thousand times better for you to join me at once on a path that leads to everlasting happiness. Here you can drink the water of life in abundance, and feed upon angels’ food. O, come, Mr. World,” she added as she spoke more earnestly, “linger no longer, carry out the resolution which you have already broken repeatedly, and you will never regret so wise an action.” Thus did Miss Church-Member urge upon him a course which, in her inimitable missionary spirit, she made really attractive to him. Although he appreciated her genuine earnestness, yet he could not be induced to heed her words.

“You have covered the whole field of my intention,” he courteously replied. “I sincerely wish to mend my ways, but there are certain things I must first overcome. How much better I could do this if one like you, in whom I have supreme confidence, would but journey at my side. Will you not do the work of a good missionary and, like Christ, adapt yourself to my level, that I may, by your uplifting influence, be drawn into a nobler life, and even have your companionship as I go up to the Highway of your King?”

Miss Church-Member, being of a sympathetic nature and of strong missionary proclivities, refused to heed her many counselors who feared for her safety, and actually stepped still farther from her wonted path and journeyed at the side of Mr. World with the desire to compass his conversion. But her conscience, at first, troubled her and her feet moved with a suspicious tread.

In this nervous, half confiding and half shrinking mood, she leaned lightly upon his arm, ever turning a deaf ear to the entreaties of her well-meaning friends who still hoped to dissuade her from this ill-advised course.

Mr. World was keenly delighted at her concession and loyalty to him. He seemed to be willing to go to any sacrifice that might add to her comfort or increase her happiness. His many companions could readily see that Miss Church-Member felt “out of place.” But she justified her own course by what she was aiming to do.

He saw that her dress of righteousness was in wide contrast with the filthy rags that covered his own soul, and so he preferred to look upon the garments that adorned his outer person, and the gaudy scenes on either side of the way.

I beheld this wide path along a great length, and I shuddered as I saw the masses thereon who were engaged in the frivolities of life as found in the swiftly passing pleasures of sense and sight. The thoughtless throngs were seemingly unconscious that underneath the whole length and breadth of the path there were strata of fire, and they were apparently blind to the sulphurous flames which, here and there, issued from openings into which many an unsuspecting traveler fell.

Sad to relate, of all the moving multitudes there were but few, indeed, who took warning and fled toward the King’s Highway. Many, like Miss Church-Member, were walking on the forbidden path for no other reason than some weak apology.

“What mean these lurid openings?” nervously asked Miss Church-Member, for their flames excited her terror. Mr. World replied, with a look of surprise: “Have you never heard that these are to give light to pilgrims, such as we? Without them the way would prove very dark and dreary.”

“What a contrast,” she exclaimed, “between these lights and those that illumine the King’s Highway! They shine from above, with increasing splendor, while these cast forth, from below, their uncertain lights. It seems to me that the farther we go the darker becomes the way, and its lights the more inconstant,—so fitful is their gruesome glare.”

“Ah! I see what ails you,” responded Mr. World. “Your eyes are at fault. We will presently meet the expert who will correct your vision ere your eyes are totally ruined.”

The attention of Miss Church-Member was suddenly attracted by seeing a man who was just sinking out of sight into the fire of destruction. As soon as he disappeared the flames burst forth in fury through the newly-made opening. Instantly a servant of Satan covered the breach so that observers could no longer hear the wails of the poor man, nor smell the fumes from the burning strata.

Then did I look and, behold, I saw such places in countless variety, each attended by a servant of the Black Prince. Each opening made by an unfortunate victim was promptly sealed so that others, in passing along, would the more readily be ensnared in one of these fatal fissures.

Miss Church-Member was more than alarmed at these sad endings of human life which now came to her attention more vividly than when she traveled on the King’s Highway.

She also saw, not far ahead of her, a woman sinking in utter despair, and ran to rescue her. But the unfortunate victim fell to her wretched ruin before the hands of Miss Church-Member could give assistance.

“Help! help! I sink I know not whither,” was her wailing cry, as she was passing out of sight, her arms outstretched beseechingly toward her would-be rescuer who arrived in time to see the first greedy flames that issued from the fresh opening.

“Oh, horror!” shrieked Miss Church-Member as she turned toward Mr. World. “That ought to be enough to keep any one from such a snare of wickedness and vice.”

Miss Church-member hurries to the rescue of an unfortunate victim.

Without a moment’s delay a demon rushed to the fiery opening and covered it from sight, completing his work so quickly and with such skill that neither the opening nor the glare of the flames were any longer perceptible. But Miss Church-Member refused to leave the spot, and with tears she urged Mr. World to place there a sign of warning so that other short-sighted, mortals who came that way might read and heed.

“It would be only a waste of time and energy. I have seen hundreds of such places where travelers have gone down, even under the sign of the Cross.”

“Indeed, Mr. World, I feel as though I should stand here continually and speak words of personal warning to any one who might seem determined to walk in such a terrible path as this.” Her finger pointed to the spot where she had just seen the poor victim fall to rise no more.

“Look yonder,” he hurriedly spoke, as he touched her arm. “Do you see that woman with her steps in the same direction? Now try your skill,” he added with more sneer than sympathy in his voice.

She did not tarry to resent his attitude, but quickly went to the woman and asked her to pause a moment.

“Are you willing to be saved from destruction?” earnestly asked Miss Church-Member.

“I am safe enough,” was the indifferent reply.

“You are now walking rapidly toward an awful death,” were her further words of warning.

“What right have you to judge me,” she curtly replied, “since you also are on this Broad Highway? Have I not heard already the words from those who also wear the pilgrim’s robe, but who journey on the King’s Highway? Their words brought conviction to my heart and tears to my eyes, but your words only stir up my indignation.”

“Why speak so unkindly to a friend? My only intention is to do you good. I just saw one who came to a horrible end by continuing a little farther in the same course that you are now pursuing.”

Then did the wicked woman fly into a rage. “You need no more concern yourself about me. I have two eyes—as many as you have. Look to your own future, not mine; at your own steps, and not at another’s!”

“Come,” impatiently spoke Mr. World, as he drew her by the arm, “it is just as I expected; let us get away from this sickly atmosphere.” But Miss Church-Member lingered only to see the heedless woman step to the last extreme and sink hopelessly, while her piteous cries for help came too late for any to rescue her.

“Let us follow this shining path.” hopefully urged Miss Church-Member. But it is too rough and steep for Mr. World.

CHAPTER II.
THE BY-PATH.

1. In their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member come to the By-Path leading to the King’s Highway; on this Miss Church-Member urges Mr. World to travel. He defers so decisive a step and defends his attitude by the use of sophistry.

2. Miss Church-Member, still hoping to win Mr. World to a better path, forsakes the King’s Highway and continues in his company.

3. A tilt with Blackana who defends Miss Church-Member for traveling on the Broad Highway.

The highway of the world was so broad that one could walk thereon as loosely as he wished without fear of stepping from it. Along the way there were so many things to attract the attention that the farther Miss Church-Member journeyed with Mr. World, the less frequently she looked toward the King’s Highway. However, her face brightened and her hopes waxed strong as they suddenly came to a place where two ways met.

With quick insight Miss Church-Member saw that the By-Path was a blessed one and that it led directly to the King’s Highway.

“Let us follow this shining path,” she hopefully suggested. “I know it leads to the way of light and glory.”

“Not such a path, my friend,” hastily replied Mr. World. “Do you not see the terrible hill to which it leads, and those who are even now struggling to climb its arduous heights?”

“I clearly see it all,” she calmly admitted, “but they who struggle most are endeavoring to carry many idols with them. If one will forsake his idols, he can, with ease and pleasure, mount to the shining summit which is but the edge of the King’s glorious Highway. Come, Mr. World, hesitate no more. Let procrastination end, and go with me even to the hill, and I will help you to the summit—while Another will help you more.”

“Very true, very true,” he said, though somewhat irritated, “but we have not yet come to the place where I may wisely follow your advice. This path turning away to the right leads to a place that may seem bright from this point, but nevertheless I know it to be a narrow, rugged way, whereon a few of your friends are trudging, eking out a miserable existence. Urge me not to go thither. If you leave me, I can neither accompany you nor give you my assistance. Surely you have learned, ere this, that your needs are of such a nature that you must inevitably suffer embarrassment without my little help.”

Miss Church-Member, with eyes but partly open to her own folly, was grievously perplexed and not a little disappointed. She fell on her knees and wept. Looking up pleadingly into his eyes, she faltered:

“Twice have I yielded to you since we entered into companionship. You well remember the solemn promise you made, but at each time you deferred its fulfillment, and now I must again hear your vain excuses. I have suffered much for your sake, and have now the enmity of many a former friend, and even my pilgrim robe is becoming stained with the filth of this way.”

“Come, come, my friend, be a woman and not a sickly suppliant. The portion of the King’s Highway which we would reach from this point is too rough for my feet to travel. We will shortly come to a more convenient place; then I can think more seriously of leaving this way.”

“Ah!” sighed Miss Church-Member, “you say that in your folly. I can testify, from knowledge, that the way is most delightful and leads to mansions incorruptible in the Celestial City.” “Let us cease debating,” interrupted Mr. World, with ill-concealed impatience. “If you have sacrificed so much through my fellowship and imagine that you can find better company, you may leave, but you cannot expect me to accompany you on so thorny and rough a path as this which you have so foolishly proposed.”

Strengthened by the remnants of Christian virtue yet within her, she sprang to her feet and was about to execute her noble purpose of leaving him. But a number of Mr. World’s friends quickly rallied and complimented Miss Church-Member on the good she had already done. “Mr. World is a better man since he has known you,” said one. “If you will continue walking with him on his own level, no one can estimate the amount of good you will yet do for him,” hopefully spoke another.

These unexpected testimonies aroused anew her missionary spirit and changed her thoughts to these yielding sentences:

“No sacrifice is too great, if victory but comes at last. If there is hope that Mr. World will cease deceiving me and walk in the path of truth, I will consent to be his companion still a little farther.”

“There is every hope of that,” smilingly returned Mr. World as he suavely bowed to her and to the little group of companions who had given him such timely help.

As I saw Mr. World and Miss Church-Member moving on, in closer fellowship than ever, I waxed warm with indignation, and addressed Blackana who was still lying at my side as motionless as the strata of the rock-ribbed earth:

“Will you explain to me this folly of Miss Church-Member, who has not only disgraced her cause before the fiendish Mr. World, but who also continues with him in such unseemly intimacy?”

“Miss Church-Member is not walking in folly. She is engaged in a noble work, endeavoring to elevate Mr. World to a higher Christian life,” was the answer from the lips of Blackana in a low, heavy voice.

“Ah,” said I, with a feeling of suspicion, “she is shining from the wrong lighthouse. The rays of truth will never reach him as long as she is in that position.

“Perhaps they might in a miraculous way,” suggested Blackana.

“No good miracle is ever done in the steps of the Devil or in his dominions,” I answered with boldness.

Then did Blackana enlarge himself, and as he replied he looked down upon me significantly. “O puny mortal, instruct me not in the miracles of my master. More great things are done under the canopies of Hell than mortals ever know.”

At first I was filled with alarm, but under the voice of One invisible I rose as with superhuman strength, and I looked at him unflinchingly. “O horrible creature! I fear you not in any of your passions. You would even destroy me if you could, but you are forever restrained by the Power that holds authority over all!”

There was a sudden rustling, unlike anything I had ever heard. The uncanny creature dashed toward me in his awful fury. But I moved not, neither was I touched. Then I stretched forth my hand and commanded him, in the name of One who is supreme, to cease his foolish ragings, else would he be instantly flung through the wastes of Hell.

Blackana, knowing his limit, as all foul fiends do, dared to venture no further in his rage, but calmed himself and, with unexpected civility, he addressed me. He told me, in close detail, how Mr. World, by his binding promises to his companion, had played the part of folly rather than Miss Church-Member who did nothing more than enter upon a more convenient and a Broader Way to heaven, and that, too, in good company.

“And what think you,—will Mr. World ever fulfill his binding promises?”

“Do not doubt it, sir. Mr. World is an honorable gentleman. His promises are always fulfilled.

“A lie! A lie! Can you not speak the truth?”

Again he was about to rise into terrible proportions when a great hand moved the door on its hinges. Blackana, interpreting that movement better than I, continued in dread restraint. I looked again upon the Broad Highway, and saw how Mr. World had so completely won the confidence of Miss Church-Member that she now frequently expressed her sense of obligation to him, and declared that he was not so mean a fellow as some alleged, and as she had been inclined to believe.

“Pray, tell me who seeks to injure my good reputation?” he courteously asked.

“It has long been current talk on the King’s Highway that you are deceitful and treacherous, and that you aim to lead people to ruin. You well know that I hoped, by mutual association, to win you to a better path. I find, even after some painful errors on my part, that you are not so much in need of reformation as I imagined. You are a very considerate and clever fellow, doubtless under the sway of a moral evolution, and whether I stay with you, or you go with me, it is now, to my mind, quite evident that you will soon reach a perfect condition.”

The wily Mr. World chuckled. “You are newly endowed with the gift of a wisdom whose inward glory has lent its brightness to your eye, and has given savor to your very words. If you continue in your present state of liberality and broad-mindedness, you will not only share all that I possess, but will wear a crown set with gems of truth.”

CHAPTER III.
THE DEVIL’S OPTICAL COLLEGE.

1. The college described.

2. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member have their eyes examined, and Miss Church-Member is supplied with lenses which warp her spiritual vision.

3. The allegory shows how Satan supplies every conceivable kind of lenses to suit the people of the world and the church.

4. Blackana, with deceptive words, attempts to defend Satan’s course.

This institution of Satan has been in operation since the creation of man, having been remodeled as often as advancement in style or skill demanded.

Each one of the fourteen massive buildings was a gem of architectural beauty, and was devoted to a special line of study or practice. The entire group worked harmoniously toward the same end.

In the course of their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member drew nigh to this great college, but the shrewd and wicked Mr. World remained silent, waiting for the first words of his companion. Miss Church-Member, however, as she looked upon the stupendous edifices, was so filled with wonder and admiration at the long stretches of masonry, and the perfect symmetry of parts, that she offered no comment until they were quite near the first building.

“For what purpose is this group of great structures used?” were her words that broke the brief silence.

“All for the sake of the eyes,” he carelessly answered, as he called her attention to the King’s Highway and the throngs of people that were admiring and entering the college from those parts.

“It is indeed wonderful,” she commented, “that so small a thing as the eye should demand the service of such great edifices.”

“The buildings are not too large nor too well equipped. Your surprise would not be so great were you to witness the large number from the two great highways that come here daily for treatment. You can see them now moving by thousands to and from the buildings. It might be wise for us to enter for consultation. My eyes, at least, may need some expert attention.”

She, being anxious to see the interior of at least one of the buildings, offered no objection to his shrewd suggestion.

The building was so easy of access that there was not one step to climb. An electric elevator served to carry them to the sixty-fourth floor which formed a part of the huge dome into which the upper portion of the great structure converged. This style of architecture not only added to the beauty of the appearance, but also proved to be perfectly adapted to the uses of the college.

The confidence of Miss Church-Member was fully won by the appearance of the interior and the courteous attention she received from the managers.

The consulting physician examined the eyes of Mr. World, then congratulated him upon the clear vision he enjoyed, and informed him that his eyes required no immediate treatment.

Turning to one side, Mr. World whispered to his companion: “While we are here you had better improve this opportunity and also get the benefit of an expert opinion.”

“I have not come prepared financially,” she blushingly and faintly replied. “I did not even dream of seeking the service of a specialist.”

“That obstacle is easily overcome, for the examination is free, and if you should need further attention and would wish to receive it, I would deem it only a great pleasure to bear all the expenses.”

After a brief, thoughtful silence she consented to the preliminary examination. “Will you examine the eyes of my friend?” requested Mr. World as he stepped toward the chief oculist.

The expert accordingly tested her sight. First he held up, at a distance, the “Delusion of the New Jerusalem,” but she was totally blind to it. Then he submitted the “Deceptions of the Holy Bible” of which she could again see nothing.

“Look through these windows to the Broad Highway, far out into the distance over rolling stretches of country. Can you see the gates of Heaven, at the end of the way?”

Miss Church-Member looked carefully, but declared that she could not see anything that appeared like Heaven or the gates thereof.

“Can you see that place called ‘Perfect Peace’ along the Broad Highway,” continued the oculist as he pointed to a far-off region.

“I can see nothing that looks like it,” she honestly confessed, quite surprised to discover the existence of these apparent defects of her vision.

“A very sad and extreme case,” murmured the examiner as he requested her to open her Bible.

“Can you see, in that book, that all people shall be saved, and none perish?”

“I am surely blind to that and always have been,” she readily admitted with a little more boldness.

“Perhaps you can see the justice of God in punishing the sinner?” he continued with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

“Plainly visible.”

“So I expected.”

He then proceeded to a more minute examination, after which he wrote a brief diagnosis and commended her to a specialist in the next building.

She hesitated somewhat, but Mr. World, handing her, confidentially, a handsome sum of yellow coin from his bag of gold, brought words of deep thankfulness from her lips, and gave decision to her steps in the direction he desired.

From the great dome they were taken in a closed car over the high suspension bridge to the adjoining building which was of still greater magnitude.

The room into which they entered, at such a dizzy height, surpassed, in its unique arrangement, anything of the kind that they had thus far seen. In long and high glass cases lay all the modern appliances used by the most skillful hands. The furnishings blended harmoniously with the general environments. All this won the utter confidence of the new and unsuspecting visitor. “With pleasure,” politely began Mr. World, “I present my friend, Miss Church-Member, who comes hither with defective eyes and a duly subscribed diagnosis from the chief of the oculists.”

The specialist whom he thus addressed made an additional examination, plying his craft with all the ingenuity he had learned from his master. At the conclusion he delivered himself in this wise:

“I find, Miss Church-Member, that your eyes are very much out of order. A complex case, indeed. I have discovered ametropia in the particular form of irregular astigmatism. The pupil, covered by the unabsorbed remains of the pupillary membrane, is occluded by a deposition of inflammatory substance, occasioned by inflammation of the ciliary body.

“I have also noticed a severe type of hemianopsia, which, I presume, had its origin in congeniture. Minor defects are also apparent, but it is unnecessary for me to give further details,”

Miss Church-Member could not refrain from weeping bitterly at this sad announcement. “Is it possible to effect a cure?” she sobbed.

“Ah! you need not thus lament,” said the specialist in a tone of sympathy. “Millions have been altogether cured whose eyes were more diseased than are yours. Forget your tears and be at perfect peace. Calmly confide in our skill.”

She consented to their method, and was first subjected to a course of preliminary treatment. Many an hour she lay while her eyes were covered with cloths saturated with strange liquids. And when her eyes were uncovered she was compelled to sit in darkness, for the physician told her that her eyes had already suffered much on account of light. At times the pain was well nigh intolerable, but she endured it all heroically, hoping to gain thereby the boon of a complete cure.

After this preparatory work one who was skilled in the best methods of the age performed the operation, and Miss Church-Member was comforted by the assurance that her eyes would be fitted with special lenses, and soon she could again behold the natural light of day.

Mr. World was busily engaged during the treatment of Miss Church-Member, but he came repeatedly to her side and spoke words of cheer and urged her strict obedience to all directions.

Finally her new lenses were put to service, and Mr. World proffered his compliments profusely until the first impulses of vanity moved within her. _To be admired, on account of her appearance, seemed never so attractive as now!_

What a new world opened to her view! She looked down upon the Broad Highway with a degree of pleasure hitherto unsuspected, and also upon the King’s Highway, but only to see that the path was indeed a rough one and beset with trials and difficulties which, to her mind, now seemed unnecessary to a Christian life.

In the same manner I looked into all the apartments of each building, and was astonished at the presence of so large a number from the King’s Highway, and a still greater throng from the way of the world.

“O Blackana!” I cried, “how long will this continue? Is there no end to deception? With such a changed view of things, how can Miss Church-Member crave for the King’s Highway or urge Mr. World thither?”

“Miss Church-Member will be happier where she is,” answered my uncanny companion as he grinned horribly. “By the aid of her glasses she can both see and enjoy the wonderful scenes along the way.” I knew that Blackana was covering the truth, but hesitated to insinuate as much. “Can you explain,” I questioned in a half hopeful mood, “how those specialists can do their deceptive work so brazenly? Poor Miss Church-Member, deluded and defrauded, now stumbles rapidly onward with the fiendish Mr. World. Tell me, O agent of the Devil, do those creatures find delight in such horrible deeds?”

“It is not a matter of pleasure or delight with them, but rather one of loyalty to their king, whom you call ‘Devil.’ To serve him poorly means a more bitter hell, but to serve him well brings honor from his hand.”

“But such honor!” I exclaimed, and then said: “I observe that Miss Church-Member wears colored lenses—tell me the meaning of this; and you, Blackana, hereafter deal no more in falsehood with me!” I demanded.

Blackana shifted his position, and with marked reluctance proceeded to answer:

“The Devil, my master, uses in his work all imaginable kinds of glasses, invented in the Wizard City. Every conceivable shade of color is made, each for its particular use. Through his agents Satan selects the lens for the patient’s eye, and if it is worn as selected and directed, he has won a decisive victory.”

“Foul and fiendish plots of Hell,” I involuntarily muttered; but Blackana listened in silence.

CHAPTER IV.
SATAN INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE.

1. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member now take an easier method of traveling, for they ride on a strange vehicle down the gravity road.

2. Miss Church-Member reads her Bible by the aid of her new glasses.

3. She is assisted in understanding it by a minion of Satan who comes robed as an angel of light.

4. Her glasses enable her to distinguish between the inspired and the uninspired parts of the Bible; for this ability she is highly complimented.

The Broad Highway, after leaving the Optical College, was especially hard to travel. Here Mr. World secured a fashionable vehicle propelled by some secret force. Into this carriage he assisted Miss Church-Member, and each was delighted with the smooth descent down the gravity road.

“This is delightful traveling,” she said, as she reclined upon the luxurious cushions of the conveyance. Aided by her new glasses she enjoyed the scenery along the way more than ever. “I am glad you appreciate it,” he smilingly returned. “According to my notion, riding is indeed preferable to walking. From these elevated carriages one can witness so much more of the world, and can also with more distinctness see the King’s Highway with its trudging pilgrims seemingly unconscious of this better mode of travel.”

Miss Church-Member took a mere casual glance at the Old Path and her former associates, and seemed to feel thankful that she had risen from bigotry to a more charitable view of things.

Her Bible, although closed altogether too long, had never been surrendered. But she had received strict orders not to read it until her eyes were fully adjusted to the new lenses.

Now, however, she opened it and was reading it under the new light, lifting her eyes at close intervals so as to miss nothing of beauty or interest along this way of the world.

Mr. World observed her careless manner,—how she turned from chapter to chapter in brief succession and fixed but little attention on any particular portion.

“I would urge you,” he kindly advised, “that if you feel aught of headache or heartache, through excessive reading, to close the book at once.”

Miss Church-member was reading the Bible to her companion when there appeared to them an interpreter who was like unto an angel of light.

She made no reply, but to his surprise was now deeply engaged in the perusal of the seventh chapter of Matthew.

“I have heard that some parts of that book are very interesting,” he said in his good natured way. “Will you not read aloud to me?”

With a return of the old passion for his conversion she gladly complied and read the whole chapter while they continued gliding smoothly along.

An interesting discussion ensued, during the course of which there joined them one who was like unto an angel of light.

After hearing his smooth sentences of general Bible-knowledge, Miss Church-Member exclaimed: “Who art thou, and how didst thou gain so great a knowledge of this Book?”

“I am but a harmless creature of the air, going whither I will. I have studied that Book through all the changes of time and understand every part of it. I would, even now, make any sentence as clear as light to thee.”

“And thinkest thou that this part is true?” hopefully asked Miss Church-Member as she raised the open Bible and pointed to the chapter she had just read.

“Every sentence is true, but in reading it there is grave danger of misapprehension. Didst thou have difficulty with any particular part of the chapter?”

“With verses thirteen and fourteen,” she replied.

The angelic interpreter then read them in a fine resonant voice.

“‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in hereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’”

“If these words are really true,” quickly commented Miss Church-Member, “we must be traveling in the wrong way. Does it not appear so?” she queried, as she looked with increasing interest at the angelic being.

“Naturally it does,” he shrewdly answered, “especially if you look merely at the surface of the text; but the pearls of truth lie deeper.”

“I well know that the King’s Highway is called the ‘Narrow Way’ and this, whereon we journey, the ‘Broad Way.’ Surely this part of Scripture is against us,” insisted Miss Church-Member, as her countenance grew more troubled.

“Thou needst not stumble at such easy Scripture; behold, the meaning is quite clear! They who travel on the so-called King’s Highway are continually exaggerating the _merits_ of the way, thereby making it appear greater and broader than it really is. They go so far as to claim that the way is broad enough to accommodate all the people of the world, were they minded to travel thereon. Therefore those who thus make the way broad by their own conceits will meet with destruction. This is the meaning of verse thirteen.”

“It is certain, according to verse fourteen, that we have a strait gate, and none, on this road, imagine or claim that the way is broader than it is; so we are credited with having it called ‘narrow,’ for it is as narrow as we claim it to be.”

“Notwithstanding your explanation and the relief these glasses have given me, my conscience is still troubled, and methinks I hear a voice from this Bible chiding me. This is the chief barrier to my real happiness,” she boldly confessed.

“Thou shouldst not dwell in fear,” spoke the shining adviser. “Do not allow the errors of any false teaching to mar the peace and happiness of this way. Bid farewell to all thy inward doubting, and taste the imperishable sweetness of the world, turning a deaf ear to the voice that chides thee unkindly.”

“But the voice comes from my Bible,” she tremblingly declared.

“Truly said, Miss Church-Member; it comes far enough _from_ the Bible. Why not listen to the voice that is the Bible. Thou art in harmony with every part of Scripture. Let not false voices drive thee on to deeper grief.”

She then looked at the shining form with more curiosity than ever before.

“Who can this be?” she asked Mr. World in a passing whisper. “You have seen how he urges me to perfect peace, and so unselfishly.”

“’Tis but a happy friend that comes in the hour of need. Should we not give heed to his kindly voice? If the studying of that Bible gives you pain, adding to the weight that already wearies your heart, why not close the book and, continuing on this way of ease, look more carefully on outward things again?”

“Think you, Mr. World, that I would lay down my Bible? This is the book that mother loved. It has always been my Book of books. It contains the code of laws that controls the whole spiritual world, and it is the only lamp that leads to light and to the gates of Heaven. You need it as much as I. Why ask me to lay it down?”

“_Nay, nay,_” spoke the angel of light, “_urge her not to discard her Bible, but rather to get a true understanding of it._ Perhaps,” he continued, turning again to Miss Church-Member, “thou hast met with other mysterious verses in this chapter. If so, I will gladly serve thee, for I love to give light to an honest heart.”

“I see nothing more now that gives me trouble. These glasses, which I got through the kindness of Mr. World, have helped me to understand your interpretation so that the rest of the chapter is quite clear to me.”

“And how does the whole Bible appear since thy sight is so improved by those fortunate lenses?”

“It certainly appears vastly different,” she confessed. “It is so much more liberal in its teachings than I ever before imagined.”

“_Hast thou become so far advanced that thou canst, with thy more comprehensive view, distinguish between the inspired and the uninspired parts?_” asked the shining one with an air of dignity.

“Not clearly so, although I have recently doubted the genuineness of some parts which still hold their place in the book.”

“Thou art coming to the true light,” he flatteringly replied. “Blessed is the event that ever changed thine eyes to see so great a truth. Oh, that all the world might thus drink from the fountain of knowledge!”

“When will the time ever come that the Bible will be rid of its errors?” impatiently broke in Mr. World.

“In that happy day when the mists of superstition shall vanish before the true light of personal liberty and free thinking,” came the answer from the bright-robed angel who was none else than a minion of the Devil in disguise.

“How could such a glorious work best be accomplished?” asked Mr. World whose interest now was more intensely aroused.

“Only by Christians who ought to appoint a committee from their own number,—persons like our friend Miss Church-Member. This committee could decide, by a majority vote, what parts of the Bible to expunge. Then the church and the world would have a Bible reasonably free from errors. Our present Bible has so many objectionable parts which, of course, could not have been inspired, and any person who has the courage to correct it will be doing the world an incalculable service.”

“Amen and amen!” enthusiastically spoke Mr. World. “The Bible is certainly a great book, but it would be vastly improved if once rid of its interpolations and errors of translation. Any preacher who would use in his pulpit such an abridged Bible would have my profoundest respect, and I hereby pledge half my fortune to the first minister who will do himself the honor of taking such a step.”

“That will have its desired effect,” smilingly commented Miss Church-Member, “for there are some gentlemen of the cloth who would quickly sacrifice any conviction for such a sum of money.”

“And here,” added the angel of light, “I hold in my hand a crown of fame set with the gems of honor. I hereby engage to place a crown like this on the head of each minister who will, in preaching and teaching, abridge the Bible and ridicule its weaknesses. Of course he must not cast reflection upon the real Word of God. He must only denounce and destroy the errors that have crept into it.”

With these words the bright messenger disappeared, and Miss Church-Member endeavored again to know more about his identity, but Mr. World did not altogether satisfy her curiosity.

Then, as they sped onward in their well-devised vehicle down the gravity road to Hell, Miss Church-Member continued reading her Bible quietly.

“How changed the teachings of this book appear,” she soliloquized. “I can now see how foolish I once was in taking so narrow a view of its truths.”

I took a passing glance at the King’s Highway, and saw a virtuous and holy woman on her knees in prayer, with a Bible opened before her.

She read from the Book, doubting not its words, and was pleading earnestly with God for a better understanding of them, until flash after flash of heavenly light filled her soul, making her face shine with more than human glory.

To her the Devil, robed as an angel of light, made no appearance so long as I looked.

Then I asked Blackana, and he told me that Satan feared that which was sharper than a two-edged sword more than a large number of professing Christians not filled with the word of God.

“And what think you of Miss Church-Member?” I continued.

“She is a fine character,” spoke Blackana as a hideous grin spread over his face.

Then I was moved with indignation, and I spoke with fire in my voice: “Give me no more deceptive words of Hell! Tell the naked truth. What is the estimate that Satan places on one who acts like Miss Church-Member?”

Blackana moved not a feature at my changed attitude, but spoke calmly within the bounds of truth: “Satan considers such a one as a valuable ally to his cause, for she is now working against Jesus Christ on her imaginary road to Heaven. Nothing is more helpful to Satan than when members of the church believe that parts of the Bible are untrue. It is indeed gratifying to us,” continued Blackana with a fiendish smile, “to see the twentieth century of the so-called Christian era opening with the church wrangling over her Bible more desperately than ever, and some of the learned leaders, and those of lesser light, laying the lash on him who believes that the regularly revised version of Scripture is of sufficient authority and approved of God.”

Thus Blackana, in dread reluctant tones, and with his tongue still unfriendly to Christ’s cause, was continuing, when a voice from above gave this startling and silencing testimony.

“_Such Scripture is an impregnable rock; and they, who by faith stand thereon, cannot be poisoned by the fiery darts which are hurled even by the latest invented guns from the Wizard City. All Hell secretly acknowledges the strength of this foundation, even though part of the church on earth refuses to do as much._”

CHAPTER V.
THE DEVIL’S PAWN SHOP.

1. Miss Church-Member with her new glasses looks upon her attire and, not being satisfied with her pilgrim’s robe, exchanges it for up-to-date apparel.

2. The similar action of Mr. Deacon and Mr. Elder described.

Miss Church-Member, having closed her Bible, was engaged in a close scrutiny of her attire. By the aid of her glasses she realized very keenly that her garments were out of harmony with her environments.

“Will you answer a frank question?” she modestly asked Mr. World. “Do you think my pilgrim’s robe becomes me as it should?”

“A very delicate question. I should never have ventured a criticism without your invitation to do so. Sincerely, your whole attire is somewhat antiquated. It is just as faulty as the Bible. So I would advise you to wear apparel more suited to your natural charms.”

“But where can such be found?” she blushingly asked, offering no comment upon Mr. World’s aspersion upon the Holy Scriptures.

A Scene in the Devil’s Pawn Shop. “Her beautiful pilgrim robe was drawn through the dust and relegated to the rear.”

“At numberless places along the way. In the distance I see an exchange store, duly authorized to do business along this Highway. If you so desire, we will proceed thither.”

She assented gratefully, and soon the vehicle stopped. The two alighted and stepped into the place known along the King’s Highway as the Devil’s Pawn Shop.

This establishment was easily accessible from either Highway, and had been in operation for thousands of years, carrying on an extensive business.

In such a place our parents pawned a glorious inheritance for a taste of forbidden fruit, and Esau exchanged a legitimate birth-right for a mere mess of pottage.

In another similar place Judas sold his Lord and Master for thirty dirty pieces of silver; and Ananias and Sapphira pawned their natural and spiritual lives for a little worldly profit which was held but for a few hours, and that in guilt and pain.

Satan has a Pawn Shop, or an exchange store, for every phase of desire that can enter into an unsatisfied heart, or a soul unduly ambitious. This one, into which Mr. World escorted Miss Church-Member, is intended for those who become dissatisfied with the dress of righteousness, or for any who wish a change in any part of their apparel. It proved intensely interesting to Miss Church-Member, with her new-found ambitions, to walk through the aisles of this great department store, each department being used for a separate kind of apparel.

The entire Pawn Shop was full of old curiosities which had never been redeemed. These, and more recent specimens, told the story of many a faithless pilgrim. In the footwear department I saw many a “preparation of the gospel of peace” which had been pawned for shoes of worldliness, and elsewhere I saw the garments of truth which had been girt about the loins of the saints, but which had been exchanged for robes of vanity.

There were also many antiquated pilgrims’ robes which had been given for more fashionable attire.

Miss Church-Member became more and more ashamed of her own robe as she saw how many already had effected the exchange which she was now contemplating.

One of the shrewd attendants, observing the impatience of Miss Church-Member and the significant look of Mr. World, approached her and offered to render such assistance as she might desire.

“I am feeling wretchedly out of place and out of style in my present condition. Can I not be dressed in a way more consistent with my station?”

“We can readily and easily supply all your fancies,” answered the attendant with a graceful bow and a smile which gave re-assurance to Miss Church-Member.

The sad transformation was effected in a manner well pleasing to the Prince of Darkness. Her beautiful pilgrim’s robe was drawn through the dust and relegated to the rear.

My own heart saddened as I beheld the changed appearance of Miss Church-Member, who had just taken one more step in her downward course, and who was still vainly imagining that she was on the road to Heaven.

I saw, with disgust, her fantastically feathered hat of conceit, her broad sleeves of self-righteousness, her ruby bracelets and necklace of vanity, her flowing garments of personal liberty, and her shoes of fashionable infidelity.

Then they made a strong effort to induce her to pawn her Bible, but to no purpose, for she had clung to it so long that it had become a precious souvenir with which she declared she would never part. Thus I saw how some worship the Bible who do not worship God.

Finally they emerged from the Pawn Shop, and glided along in their mysterious carriage more rapidly and smoothly than ever. The two happy companions, free from their former embarrassment, now enjoyed the scenes of life along the way with increasing pleasure. The moving masses, in their diversified employments, yielded constant entertainment.

Miss Church-Member was soon agreeably surprised to see Mr. Deacon and Mr. Elder, who served in the same church to which she belonged. The carriage overtook them in a rather isolated place and stopped at their side, in obedience to the will of Miss Church-Member.

“Can it possibly be that I meet two of my church officers at this unexpected time and place? How came it about that you also have chosen this ‘Broader and Better Way’ to Heaven?”

The two men were slightly abashed at first and stood speechless as if in doubt what to say, or as if they were unable to recognize her.

“Ho! ho!” cried Mr. Deacon, “here is Miss Church-Member who sits in one of our front pews.”

“Her appearance is wonderfully improved however,” added Mr. Elder in an undertone.

“How came you to adopt this dress and be in such close fellowship with Mr. World?” asked Mr. Deacon.

“I am now in the midst of my missionary work, endeavoring to lead Mr. World into church membership,” were her glib words of explanation, though, somehow, they were unsatisfying to her ear; but she was rapidly learning to stifle such unpleasant qualms of conscience.

“She is doing a grand work,” said Mr. Deacon to Mr. Elder with gestures of approbation.

“Are you any better than you were since such an elevating influence has been thrown about you?” asked Mr. Elder, as he turned to Mr. World.

“Happy for me that Miss Church-Member ever undertook my case, for I am now nearer joining the church than ever before.”

The two church-officials offered their hands to Mr. World in warm congratulation, and then praised Miss Church-Member for her timely efforts which they felt sure would terminate in his conversion.

“What more is required of me in order that I may join your church?” inquired Mr. World in a voice of deepening earnestness.

“Nothing more than to express your willingness,” responded the two. Your morality is beyond suspicion, and your fulfillment of the duties of citizenship has always been praiseworthy; therefore your religion is quite exemplary. It lacks but your admission into the church.”

“I would have joined before now had it not been for a radical element potent in the councils of the church, and especially for the narrow views entertained by your minister. If you had another pastor, one of more liberal cast of mind, it would not only influence me to join, but many of my wealthy and honorable friends would do so as well.”

“It certainly is a sad state of affairs,” sighed Miss Church-Member. “We are losing heavily by reason of such narrowness. I thought differently at one time, but these glasses have given me a wider and clearer range of vision.”

“Your words indicate a sound judgment,” commented Mr. World, and the two church officials listened eagerly. “Why should the church compel a man to journey on a path so narrow that he can scarcely make any progress?”

Mr. Elder, unable to push through the narrow pass of Consecration, was compelled to take the “Shorter and Broader Way to Heaven.”

“A sensible view of it,” said Mr. Elder, “for I have learned by experience that it is impossible to travel far in the way you mention. I tried it until recently, when I gave it up in disgust. I patronized an old established exchange store, disposed of a part of my outfit, and got in exchange something up-to-date, as you see from my appearance. I then endeavored to walk on the old path, but soon came to an especially narrow place called Consecration. I could not squeeze through. I struggled hard and long until one came to me and said: ‘Let go what thou hast under thine arms and belted to thine heart, and thou shalt go through with ease and rejoicing.’ That was asking too much of me, for I paid a high price for these things and was minded to hold to them at all cost. I then endeavored more earnestly to push ahead, but found that I could not. As I looked around me, in despair, I saw a path leading to the left, under a beautiful arch, whereon I read this inscription:

A SHORTER AND BROADER WAY TO HEAVEN.

“This path I took and have been traveling comfortably thereon, especially since I found this still Broader Way into which it led. If only all church-members would know the comforts and advantages of this way, they could no longer refuse to travel it.”

“They are finding it out more and more every age,” said Mr. World with a complacent smile. “The church and the world ought to be one and, according to the teaching of the Bible, how could this be better accomplished than by having the church come down to the level of the world, and from that point lift the world upward. That was Christ’s method and example. The church of to-day should not wish to be greater than her Lord.”

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.”

While Mr. World was speaking these words he assisted Miss Church- Member into their strange vehicle and, when his last sentence was ended, they bade a hearty farewell to the two acquaintances and smoothly glided on, not tarrying to hear the words of commendation which each church-official was speaking simultaneously.

CHAPTER VI.
SATAN’S LAW DEPARTMENTS

(_Underground._)

1. An allegorical representation of Satan’s underhanded methods in law and politics. All seen during a thrilling journey with Blackana through this underground regions (level below level) where the laws of Hell are hatched.

2. A realistic climax,—ultimate triumph of right in the civil realm.

I now saw two mountains so high that their shadows perpetually darkened the Broad Highway which covered the wide valley between them.

In this Shadowy Vale many held permanent residence, until the whole region swarmed with teeming millions of every tongue and tribe on the face of the globe.

At the base of the mountains, on each side of the way, there were numerous large openings through which imps of darkness were constantly passing. Most of them were habited as angels of light.

“Tell me the mystery of those dismal openings,” I asked as I turned to Blackana. “Words are inadequate to tell of the places to which they lead. To know aright one must see,” he answered with marked indifference.

For a moment I silently looked upon Blackana whose evasive answer had so greatly aroused my curiosity.

“Beyond those ominous portals I can discern nothing,” I murmured. “How can I be privileged to see what is there hidden?”

“Come with me,” coldly invited Blackana, “I will guide you to the nethermost realms now unseen by you. This I do not willingly, but I am thus commanded.”

Not wishing to receive my orders from the mouth of a demon, I talked to my better Friend who bade me go and be assured that _a body-guard of ten thousand would ever be at my side, though I saw them not._

On wings, swifter than the wind, Blackana and I covered the intervening space. We stood in the dark valley at one of the openings, now appearing ten-fold larger than before, and the mountains reared their imposing crests as if to an endless height.

“Follow me,” grimly spoke Blackana as he advanced through the monstrous arcade into the deepening darkness.

I remembered the ten thousand, and feared not as I followed. Downward and inward we went, with no light but a horrid glare casting its uncertain rays athwart our path.

“Is this the passage-way to Destruction?” I cried, as I saw how spectral all things were, for more than a thousand grimy faces had already added their fitful glances to the glimmering scene.

“The passage-way to Hell is not so smooth; we go to a better place,” he answered, without so much as turning his head.

We finally stopped at a line of massive elevators, ever in busy motion, carrying the throngs upward or downward.

As we paused, Blackana regarded me silently. I was then able, for the first time, to see his face clearly. No light reveals the countenance of a demon so well as the light of his own region.

I stood as if paralyzed under his awful eyes. Oh! thought I, can two orbs picture such infinite depth of remorse; such absence of tenderness; such barrenness of sympathy, far beyond the most care-worn look of earth? Then, pervading all these lineaments of despair were the positive characteristics of his nature—malice, envy, and hatred. These lent their repulsive fires to his eye, already overcharged with insidious gleamings. I suddenly thought of my ten thousand, and my fears subsided.

“It were better for you to remain a stranger to the greater depth and go no farther,” were the words that finally came from Blackana’s scarcely moving lips.

“Fulfill your mission, Blackana! I fear not the deepest depth when I am thus equipped.”

“Where is your sword and where is your armor?” he tauntingly asked.

“My steel is hid until I find a foe worthy of its mettle.”

Blackana quivered and resumed his task. He told me that above us, deep in the bowels of these mountains, were the more refined legislative halls of Satan; while below us, at varying and terrible depths, lay scattered many a brooding station where the lowest laws of Hell are hatched.

“Let us go downward,” I said, and scarcely had the words escaped my lips ere Blackana had ushered me into an elevator, holding me as we dropped down and down with increasing velocity, while a cold chill was freezing my heart, and my body playing the part of an aspen leaf.

Never before had I been touched by so dreadful a hand, but I thought again of the ten thousand, and that lent warmth to my heart and calmness to my nerves. “To what great depth are we falling?” I soon ventured to ask, as I perceived that we were dashing downward at terrific speed.

“We fall to no great depth; we go only a thousand furlongs to reach the first grand level, not stopping at these lesser places of which you get a glimpse in passing.”

“A thousand furlongs,” I repeated, “down into the earth! Who ever heard of such a descent before?” But I still thought of my ten thousand, even though I could not conceive how they could follow me in such places.

“At what rate do we now travel?” I nervously asked, for I felt the hand of Blackana still pressing me down lest the great elevator would fall faster than my body.

“According to earthly reckoning we are falling twenty furlongs a second and our speed is still increasing with the descent,” was the startling answer.

I spoke no more, but found myself clutching the raised bars of the floor. I saw the glimmering light of many a region as we darted by at our lightning speed.

In an incredibly short time we reached the first grand level. Blackana led me forth from the elevator into an immense cavern whose dimensions were apparently as limitless as the space between the earth and sky. It was illuminated by infernal lights and all astir with moving thousands in fabled dress and shape.

Never before had I imagined or beheld such a scene. Pure gold was as plentiful as the water of the earth, and was abundantly used in the construction of vast halls whose overarching vaults were encrusted with priceless gems that dazzled like jets of crystallized light.

“What weird world is this?” I asked in an awed tone.

“This is one of my master’s legislative centers, devoted to each separate government on earth. The many legislators of this whole region are ever busily engaged in determining upon their policy and methods of operation, and in endeavoring to influence the law-making body of each government to create and modify laws in harmony with the underground legislation here enacted.”

“Ah!” said I, “but this place is far from the surface where man dwells. How can there be such close connection?”

Blackana smiled as he made a wonderful revelation to me. “This strange empire is in close touch with the whole human family, for there are thousands of wires leading from this dark realm to each government centre of earth. Satan thus communicates his wishes to each lawmaker, of every land, who will lend a listening ear to his schemes.”

Blackana then conducted me to an immense building divided into many sections. “Here is the electric centre of this level,” he said.

As I gazed I learned the secret of Satan’s power in law. Thousands were here engaged in conversing with legislators on earth.

I could understand no word of all these communications, for the section where I stood was devoted to Asiatic countries and the islands of the Pacific Ocean.

“Take me, O Blackana, to the section connecting with the Western world that I may see the very wires that run to the United States of America.”

I soon stood in the interior of another large building, and with great interest listened to the operators communicating with some who were in authority at Washington, and with persons elsewhere who were interested in the formulation of laws for the whole country.

“Does this never cease?” I questioned.

“It continues through the days and nights of earth forever,” came the reply.

I was looking at the intricate system of wires and the stupendous proportions of the place, when suddenly I heard some one mention a name with which I was familiar. I was attracted close to the side of the operator that I might hear at least the one side of the conversation.

“That bill should never become a law,” said the operator, but I could not hear the reply.

“Fight hard to defeat it. You will get heaps of gold if you succeed,” were the next words I heard at the lower ’phone.

“Never mind them. I’ll take care of that crowd. I will try once more to get their ear. I failed the last time, but I hope to succeed at my next endeavor.” These words were spoken very plainly, but still I could hear no reply.

“Suppose the other element has chances to win. Get ready at once and meet the situation. Go and speak to the chairman of the committee and early influence his mind in our favor. Offer any bribe you wish, for we have unlimited resources at our command.”

“If only I could hear the answer,” thought I.

Then the operator listened a long time, and I almost envied his privilege, wishing that I might also hear the human voice from the earth’s surface.

Blackana conducted me to other parts of the building, and I saw the fiendish program carried out at each point. Thousands of demons were in league with the law-makers of the world!

“Oh! that I could cut these wires and restrict Satan’s laws to these underground dominions,” I said with rising boldness.

“Silence, puny mortal! Know you not that others can hear you speak? Would you here be crushed to death so far from the light of day?”

Superhuman strength moved me to answer thus: “Though all these hosts should hear me, I fear nothing. I am invincible, and should you take me to the deepest depths, amidst foul crawling imps, not one can harm me. Neither can you, Blackana.

“Come on,” he sneered, “cease your senseless sentences and follow me.”

I saw that Blackana endeavored to conceal the counter-currents of his heart, but nevertheless his agitation did not escape my notice.

Back to the elevators we went, and with a throng of evil spirits we entered the central car and fell another thousand furlongs into the depth of the earth.

We stopped at the second grand level into which I was ushered. I looked out over what seemed to be a new world with more light and more animation than was manifest on the first level.

Boisterous demonstrations were heard on every hand, all made more hideous by the variety of evil spirits who added their din to the general bedlam. “What furious world is this?” I shouted.

“This is Satan’s political headquarters, and the place where his state laws are made. We are here connected with every state or divisional government in the world, and with every political movement that can be influenced by these underground voices.”

My indignation leaped over all bounds as the vileness of these iniquitous schemes pressed upon me. I heard the bands of music from those who had prostituted their talent to the second level.

Blackana pushed me on through all the demonstrations, and then led me into a great structure more secluded than the electrical stations. Here the state laws are hatched, but, thanks to a higher sanctum, not all the brood see daylight.

The plotters of Hell sat in this underground legislative centre, and I saw, to my horror, some state legislators occupying seats in this infamous quarter.

Then said I to Blackana: “It is no more a mystery to me how so much of Hell is incorporated into the laws of the states in the country where I hold residence, as well as in all other parts of the world. How long have these things been?”

“Since the beginning of law,” was his indifferent reply.

“It will not be so forever,” I prophesied under a sudden spell of inspiration. “The time must come when the power of this level will be blasted forever. The owner of the tree will burn the worms and their nests from every branch.”

Then said Blackana tauntingly: “Neither flood, poison, fire, nor knife can ever destroy this section.” Just as he spoke these words the whole edifice shook, and I heard a noise as if a shower of great stones had crashed into the roof and sides of the building. The legislators quaked with fear and all looked toward the ceiling. All of this instantly reminded me of the thousand lords who looked at the ominous handwriting on the wall at the feast of Belshazzar.

“Explain it to me,” I asked as I looked wonderingly at Blackana.

“Urge it not, urge it not! Be content to dwell in ignorance!”

“I am here to learn, and I would know what force or power can so well-nigh destroy this wretched center. Tell me the truth. I demand it.”

Then did Blackana move himself in his startling attitudes, as if loath to speak. He rolled his heavy eyes as his discordant voice yielded the unwilling explanation.

“These are the votes that just fell in favor of reform in a campaign on earth. Such votes, under the panoply of prayer, strike more terror to these kingdoms than all else combined, and the most disastrous feature is that they go bounding from the buildings of this level ever downward and work their ruin from kingdom to kingdom, until they have wrought their havoc even to the lowest level. If we only knew the way to break the power of these votes, our comrades would not then dwell in constant dread of what might happen.”

“May you never learn that power, and may the votes of good citizenship ever increase in number until these legislative halls shall be broken to rise no more, and their inmates driven from their secret machinations to the abode prepared for the Devil and his angels.”

Blackana sprang at me in great rage.

“Silence, you contemptible mortal! You have not such liberty of speech here! Why fling insults into the face of one more powerful than yourself?”

“_Ho, ye ten thousand!_” I shouted with all my power, and Blackana fell backward at my very words. Sullen, but cowed, he arose to his feet and took me to the elevators.

“Where next?” he gruffly asked.

“What is on the next level below?” I inquired.

“Greater proceedings than on this one. It is devoted to the government of counties, cities, boroughs, and villages, and their political work.”

“Pass it by and take me to the lowest level.”

“You do not know what you ask. The lowest level is very, very deep, and takes us where things have no weight. It is the lowest haunt outside of Hell, inhabited by the vilest imps. How can you live or move in such a realm?”

“Not by the futile force of human power, but by the strength of Him who bids me go. I fear not, O Blackana; conduct me thither.”

What an awful experience followed! I was taken down at an amazing speed, held under the great hand of Blackana. We passed region after region of infernal lights, each one existing for the purpose of carrying out its part of Satan’s fiendish plan.

At length we stopped in the red glare of an awful burning amidst a company of hobgoblins out of harmony with all human shape or symmetry.

“This must be the bed of Hell, indeed,” I said, after I had conquered my rising fears. “Far from it, far from it!” answered Blackana. “We are now in the lowest legislative center _where foul fiends invent the horrible laws of personal pollution in the mortal body, and political bribery in the civil body._”

Blackana held me by the hand. I seemed not to walk but rather to move along without effort, seeing the pictures of lowest life and ill-shaped spirits, some of monster size.

Into an immense auditorium I was wafted, a building without foundations or floor. Here, amidst uncanny noises, hovered a vast throng of Satan’s lowest legislators.

The dreadful suggestions here given, and the terrible debates that followed, beggar human description. From all parts of the great hall the busy wires were communicating with every section of the earth’s surface.

Blackana, still holding me by the hand, spoke! thus in a derisive strain:

“O mortal, now comes my glorious revenge I have tasted your insults until their galling bitterness grinds me still. I have craved for this hour when I might leave you to the mercy of the lowest, and bring you under my feet for ever.”

Then, turning to the chairman of the great assemblage, Blackana attracted his attention, and at once the attention of all the spectral monsters of the place.

“Here,” commenced he, “is a piece of mortal flesh, fresh from the surface. I have been forced, by some strange power, to conduct this mortal man through these nether levels until he has seen the workings of our underground plans and schemes. He must never see the light of day, lest the world above may know the true inwardness and source of such laws as are called cursed, and rise in hosts against our surface operations.”

At this Blackana thrust me forward, and I went straightway to the chairman who seized me by the back and held me aloft in his right hand, while a deafening roar of strident voices was measuring my doom.

“_Ho, ye ten thousand!_” I cried aloud, at which the horrid chairman fell backward, and I dropped unharmed to his own chair as the whole host were rushing at me en masse.

The chairman sprang to his feet and waved a wand. “Silence and order!” he commanded.

Thousands of brandishing weapons were brought to a stand, and quietness reigned in a moment.

“Why say you ‘ten thousand’? What power lives in those words?” asked the chairman with a show of boldness, but in secret quaking. “Power unlimited, even over death, hell, and the grave. My flesh is not food for such as these.”

“Who can you be to talk thus boldly to your superiors?”

“I am one who is sealed by the blood of Jesus, and have no superiors outside the gates of Heaven.”

“Why came you here?” he impatiently and furiously demanded. “Tell me while yet you have opportunity to speak.”

Then, fully confiding in my unseen Guard, I stood erect and said with boldness of speech: “I have come to learn the secrets of this underground legislation which is sending its blighting curse throughout the world. Having witnessed the wide extent of these secret operations, I will now return to the brotherhood of man and sound the alarm of a coming reformation. O, beware ye multitudes that now rise against me! I am not alone, nor forsaken. By faith I see armies of the living God. I declare, at this moment, that earth will not forever receive her laws from such a depth. The hour must come when these million wires will be broken beyond repair, and all you fiends go groveling under penal chains in darkness eternal.”

The armies of righteousness will some day triumph over the black hordes of civil iniquity.

No more could I speak, for the air was thickening all around me with a rush of wild demons whose threatening weapons thirsted for my blood.

I stood motionless, glorying in the power of the Unseen, for I saw, shining far above me, a beautiful star of hope with peace and purity in its rays.

In the same instant I again shouted, “_Ho, ye ten thousand!_” Oh, what a transformation took place! Regiment upon regiment of Heaven’s military hosts, converging as from infinite depth of space, burst into sudden view, revealed by a dazzling light which filled the whole region and dazed the infernal hosts as with blindness, while their weapons broke and fell beneath them in futile fragments.

CHAPTER VII.
THE HILL OF REMORSE.

1. While climbing a steep hill Miss Church-Member is touched by Remorse.

2. Satan’s strategy in keeping her away from the Narrow Path.

3. All her trouble is lost in company with Mr. World on the Mountain Top of Apathy.

Returning to my former post of observation, and looking again through the open door, I beheld Mr. World and Miss Church-Member still riding on the gravity road. They were approaching the Shadowy Vale, and Mr. World was desirous that his friend should close her eyes until they had passed through the shadows.

She reclined her head, and soon was resting so comfortably that she fell fast asleep and opened not her eyes until they had passed beyond the darker scenes of the miserable valley.

Then did Mr. World engage her with artful and pleasant conversation, so that she might not fully observe the features that constantly make this part of the Broad Highway dark and dreary.

Satan, unseen, hovered around them during their conversation which was well pleasing to him. At length, in partial disguise, he made himself visible, much to the terror of Miss Church-Member.

“Fear not; no harm will befall you,” said Mr. World re-assuringly as he laid his hand upon her shoulder.

Satan smiled complaisantly, and spoke in soft tones: “Tremble not at my presence. I have come only to render you such assistance as may be especially helpful to you in your journey, and to disabuse your mind of such false impressions as you have evidently entertained concerning my character.”

So affable was his manner and so pleasing his address that, to her mind, he soon lost that shocking hideousness which characterized his first appearance, and evoked from Miss Church-Member this apology born of her guilty conscience: “You would not have seen me now on this path had Mr. World adhered strictly to his promises.”

“Indeed, Miss Church-Member,” replied Satan, “you need have no regret for being here. You are to be congratulated upon the good judgment which led you into fellowship with Mr. World. It is your happy fortune that he has succeeded in preventing you from leaving him. You are an exception to a host of cranks, who, without investigation, are prejudiced by what they hear. You are broad-minded, independent, and will be found wiser and happier than the army of fools you have left.”

These words brought a mixture of pride and shame to her heart, and threw her mind into a state of great confusion.

But by this time they had come to a long and steep hill called Remorse up which all pilgrims walked. Mr. World assisted his companion in alighting, and promised to give her all possible help in her efforts to climb the hill.

Satan remained with them, and Miss Church-Member, under deepening remorse of conscience, loitered a few steps in the rear. Her bowed head indicated the warring of her thoughts. Then I saw that she cast a longing glance over the rough hills toward the King’s Highway, and looked for some path by which she might go thither.

Her two wily companions endeavored to allay her fears by offering all manner of cajolements, none of which either diverted or quieted her mind.

“O ye friends of mine!” cried Miss Church-Member, “I can find rest only on yonder King’s Highway. Can you show me the shortest path leading thereto? I cannot go to the summit of this hill.”

On the Hill of Remorse. Miss Church-Member cast a longing glance toward the King’s Highway, and looked for some way by which she might go thither.

“It so happens,” pleasantly replied the Devil, “that there is no way of reaching the so-called King’s Highway from this part of our route, but, if you will have patience, we will conduct you safely to a point a little farther on where you can conveniently leave this way with all honor to yourself. In the meantime we will give you all the assistance that you may need, and every convenience that science can afford.”

Miss Church-Member wept tears of gratitude at this proffered kindness, and began to feel that this dark intruder was a friend with a rough exterior but a warm and congenial heart.

“It is quite evident that you have been grossly misrepresented to me,” she faltered as her voice trembled with emotion. “I was told that you are the embodiment of envy, malice, and hatred, and vigorously opposed to everything religious.”

Satan looked at her in well-counterfeited amazement. “How wrongly I am judged by my enemies! How can I be opposed to all religion when I attend church and prayer-meeting regularly, and sedulously listen to the sermons and prayers while many sleep who claim to be better than I? You will pardon me, Miss Church-Member,” he continued, “but allow me to bear the light burden you are carrying under your arm, and let us hasten from this sickly atmosphere to the refreshing air beyond the summit of the hill.”

“You are very kind, indeed,” she said. “Please carry these books carefully, as I prize them very highly.”

As they pushed their way up the hill, I looked at Blackana who, with his eyes fixed upon me, sat as cold and motionless as a statue.

“Tell me,” I asked, “why Satan has falsified so greatly to Miss Church-Member.”

Blackana, with a show of uneasiness, answered interrogatively: “Wherein has he falsified?”

“Did he not just inform Miss Church-Member that there is no way of reaching the King’s Highway from the place where she had been standing? He well knew that there is a way opened by the Prince of the House of David. Why did he not tell her?”

Blackana again grinned horribly while my indignation waxed stronger. Then came his pertinent reply: “My master is about his own business; that is why he is so successful in his work. It is not his business to point people away from his kingdom; his delight is rather in leading them upon his own Highway.”

“Oh! for the voice of a thousand trumpets, that I might reach the ear of Miss Church-Member, and break unto her the words of truth and life. See how she walks on between those two fiends, ever nearing an awful destruction, yet vainly imagining, through the deceitfulness of her advisers, that she is nearing the place where she can, with greater ease, leave her present course and join her comrades on the Shining Path. Oh, that I could send a messenger, good and swift, in her pursuit!”

“Rest in ease, anxious mortal; she will get all necessary advice from her two friends,” replied Blackana with a sardonic grin.

I could no longer look into his face, for I was filled with contempt. I turned my eyes to see poor Miss Church-Member still struggling up the Hill of Remorse.

When the top was finally reached I heard Mr. World congratulating her: “Well done, noble woman! You have fought Remorse until you have mastered it. The pains and pangs incident to this climbing are over, and if you should come to another hill you will ascend it with more ease. Look about you at these cool mountain resorts called Apathy, and join me in a needed recreation as we mingle with the merry multitudes amongst these shady bowers.”

She needed no second invitation, being glad to seek relief in forgetfulness of her guilt.

As they went to their pleasures, Satan vanished to give attention to others who were ascending the same Hill of Remorse, some in a sullen mood and some with wails of anguish on their lips.

The delightful resorts of Apathy were now quieting the mind of Miss Church-Member, for the attractions on the mountain top were so numerous and so ingeniously arranged that, as she gave full attention to them, she no longer suffered any pangs of remorse.

On this plateau, so full of charms for every sense, I saw bands of music; gardens of shady retreat where one might while away the weary hours in gentle dalliance; and cooling fountains throwing forth their busy sprays.

Artists were painting the scenes of worldly ease, and poets were writing sweet verses for the singers of the place.

Miss Church-Member, who was a lover of the fine arts, asked Mr. World to tarry in one of the gardens of the poets where they might hear the songs of the season just from the pens of their authors.

This was a novel privilege; so he readily consented and accompanied her into a garden near by. They were greeted by sounds of instrumental music and charming voices raised in song.

After these harmonies died away a soloist sang a hymn that had been composed that same day. Her voice rendered each word distinctly:

Remorse is but the foe of all,
The rich and poor, the slave and free
Unfriendly comes its bitter call—
Perchance it comes this day to thee.
Then come, thou troubled seeking peace
From this unkind, intruding foe;
Let anxious cares no more increase;
Go bury all thy pangs of woe.
Forget the things that wake thy mind
To fleeting sorrows of the day;
Oh! come and be forever blind
To all except this Broader Way.

Then followed a fiendish woman, in guise of a light-crowned angel, who delivered an address entitled “The True Peace of the World.” While the applause which followed her remarks was dying away, an authoritative old gentleman arose. After standing a moment in dignified silence, he continued to carry out the program of the Devil by speaking on “False Lights from the so-called ‘King’s Highway.’”

Next a quartette beautifully rendered a love song of the world; this also had been quite recently composed.

Sweet world, so bright and fair,
We would thy pleasures share
While days pass on.
Thou art our truest friend,
On thee our souls depend
Till life is gone.
In life’s perplexing days,
Thou wilt, in every phase,
Be ever near.
While thy sweet, placid charms
Dispel our dread alarms
In times of fear.
Who else can give relief,
When bowed in heavy grief?
No one like thee.
Thou sendest rays of light,
Into our darkest night
Till shadows flee.

The melody of this song and the sentiment of its words had a very decisive effect on Miss Church-Member. She looked into the eyes of Mr. World with more than poetry in her glance, for her heart was now thrilled with the first touches of true love for him.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE VALLEY OF TEMPTATION.

1. In this valley the two great Highways run almost parallel.

2. The intervening ground is all alive with Satan’s schemes to entice, entrap and discourage Christians.

3. The operation of Christian forces in this valley.

After leaving the Hill of Remorse and the pleasure grounds of Apathy, Mr. World and Miss Church-Member proceeded on the Broad Highway which now gradually sloped toward a deep valley.

“What is the name of the valley which we are now entering?” inquired Miss Church-Member.

“’Tis but the Valley of Temptation,” he carelessly answered.

“Ah! I have heard of this valley,” she replied. “Whenever I was tempted or tried on the King’s Highway some one would caution: ‘Be courageous, for you must go through the Valley of Temptation.’ I am thankful, as I come to it, that I am on a Broader Way.”

“Many call this valley ‘Entanglement,’” further continued Mr. World, “because of the large numbers who are here caught by the devices all along the way.” I saw the whole valley in one view. It was very wide and more than a thousand experiences long and, from one end to the other, there were constant scenes of activity. The King’s Highway and the Broad Highway ran almost parallel throughout the whole length of the valley.

The entire space between the two paths was occupied by the agents of Satan, and by numerous rescue bands and missionary organizations of the King’s Highway Church.

I was informed that no traveler, who knows the experiences of life, ever escaped this valley. But the King of Glory gives his children assurance of no harm if they will heed his words and step not from the path upon any pretence. He has also placed, in plain view, countless signs of warning to keep his pilgrims from yielding to temptation, as it presents itself, with or without mask; and they who pass these testing-places in triumph are counted stable in their ways.

I saw in the first part of the valley some of Satan’s shrewdest agents at work. They were stationed along the Narrow Path at close intervals, and were endeavoring, by all kinds of schemes, to attract the attention of Christians as they journeyed through the valley.

From one point they threw a hook baited with wealth over to the edge of the King’s Highway way. I saw an ambitious Christian, contrary to the signs of warning and all advice, eagerly grasp this bait. Then did the agents of Satan pull gently. The man seeing a clue to wealth in his hand would not let it go, and so was drawn slowly and unconsciously over into the territory of the World. He did not see the strand that drew him, for it was invisible, nor was he conscious of being thus drawn, having his mind so fixed upon the object of his earnest pursuit.

Thus do these agents ply their nefarious skill without ceasing, and so have drawn large numbers away from their original faith.

Another agent I saw near-by throwing out a hook baited with fame. An ambitious youth let go all he had and seized the baited hook with singular avidity. It inspired him with inward hope, and he became so engaged in thinking of his golden future that he followed whither the gentle drawing led him, until he also reached the questionable ground of the World. There he became still further entangled until he was utterly under the sway of the tempter.

Close by I saw an agent of the Devil fastening a book to a line and throwing it to the edge of the King’s Highway. In bold letters it bore the title, “Forbidden Fruit,” and under this title there was an impure picture.

Many, in passing by, who saw the book would have examined it had it not been for their modesty.

But one man, whose curiosity was stronger than his judgment, took the book and commenced perusing it. While thus engaged the invisible strands of influence drew the captive from the Narrow Way until he found a series of books and illustrations to enchain his attention, and Satan succeeded in totally winning his heart.

I saw another book thrown to the edge of the Pilgrim’s Path. This was taken by a woman who opened its pages and saw its evil tendencies. Although drawn by the invisible chord, she did not step from the path, but threw the book as far to one side as she could, and proceeded on her journey happily singing:

“Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin.
Each vict’ry will help you
Some other to win.”

This only enraged the wily foes, and they became more determined than ever to continue their work of deception and ruin.

From one point or another I saw this dreadful work progressing. Each station used a different kind of bait, pleasing or attractive to some passing pilgrims. Here the enemy reaps a continual harvest notwithstanding all the preaching, advice, and influence brought to bear upon pilgrims to induce them to eschew all attractions not plainly found upon their own pathway.

Some, whom Satan could not attract by a bait, he would catch with snares, many of which I saw in operation, each guarded continually by trusted servants of the Evil One.

One of the subtlest of these snares consisted of a series of small, curiously shaped buildings. They stood as near to the King’s Highway as Satan could place them, while glaring signs informed the pilgrims that they could here obtain knowledge upon any subject. Each building was so constructed that, at the will of a secret operator, it could be moved noiselessly from its resting place.

Many an unsuspecting traveler who craved for a solution to some mystery would step into one of these neat rooms, and meet with a most cordial reception.

I saw a man of more than usual intelligence, who had been faithful to his Master, stop and read the sign over these buildings: “Bureau of Information: All Mysteries Solved.”

“Here,” thought he, “in this humble place I can perhaps find some pearls of thought which more inviting waters never yielded to me.” He stepped in, not noticing that he thereby stepped to one side of the way.

“Can I have a mystery solved here?” asked the visitor.

“Without doubt, sir,” was the confident response of a dignified professor who was in attendance.

“Can you tell me the origin of sin?” asked the visitor.

Just then I saw the building commence to move as the professor commenced to explain the difficult question.

The professor talked so interestingly to the visitor that he held his attention until the building was moved, by the secret process, to the brow of the mountain, and over to the great building known as the “Devil’s Theological School.”

“Perchance, my words,” said the speaker, “are insufficient to fully satisfy your mind. Go now from the rear door to the College where all such perplexing questions are made clear.”

The visitor seizing, as he thought, a golden opportunity, gladly consented and, to his great surprise, found a building of magnificent proportions into which he entered.

After listening a very short time to Satan’s teaching on the origin of sin, he emerged from the school with a heavy bundle of opinions on his back, and failed to find the Old Way. After wandering and stumbling about on this summit of human learning, he finally found the Broad Highway whereon he could carry his vain burden with ease.

These bureaus of information have ensnared so many learned men, including ministers and professors, that the King of Glory has here placed special signs of warning to all travelers; these have saved many men from the snare of “the fowler.”

I saw three young college students about to enter one of the bureaus. There stood an aged pilgrim near by who shouted:

“Come! ye young men, out of the snare of the Devil, or ye will be taken captive by him at his will!”

The voice sounded so friendly that they hesitated long enough to discern that the building did not touch the King’s Highway.

Then they remembered that they had been told long before to go by the King’s Highway, and not to turn to the right hand nor to the left, nor even to step from the path, lest they should slip and fall to their hurt. So they passed on about their Father’s business.

Near the edge of the King’s Highway I saw another device to catch men unawares. It was invented in the Wizard City and had been successfully used by Satan for many centuries.

It was an _artificial woman_, dressed in modest apparel, and so constructed that the arms were uplifted and the heart plainly visible, making the curious image just unnatural enough to attract the attention of all pilgrims.

Over the head of the image these words were written: “Touch this magic heart for the charms that follow.”

It was ridiculous to see how many of the young and old, in passing over this way of life, stepped from the path and tried the experiment.

One man I saw who ventured to touch the mystic heart, and ere his eyes could look into the face of the image its arms embraced him in a tightening grasp.

Away the image moved with graceful ease into Elysian bowers of sensual joy. There he remained to breathe its poisoned air and feed upon the husks of such a clime.

I also saw a man of riper years who looked curiously at another image similar to the one that had just moved away. At first he was doubtful whether to test it or not, and as he stood in consideration he raised his eyes and saw these words plainly written over the King’s Highway:-To ALL DESCENDANTS OF ADAM:

Beware, O pilgrim, of this woman’s heart, Lest you should from the Narrow Way depart; For if you touch a secret chord within, You’re borne away to wider fields of sin.

He read this sign a few times and also heard the voice of a good friend who told him that he had seen thousands go to ruin by not heeding this warning. Nevertheless he was urged by curiosity and carnality, and being hardened by former acts of disobedience and seeing nothing but innocent pleasure before him, he yielded to his baser desires.

“O! rescue me, Mr. Law, I am in the clutches of this woman,” was his beseeching cry, not long after. But I saw that no one came to his help.

There were many such places in this valley where men, both young and old, were enticed; many of whom could not have been caught by the snares of vice at other places along the Broad Highway.

I saw also, farther down the valley, that Satan used all manner of traps and nets to catch the silly and the foolish. That which attracted my attention the most was a series of stations built close to the King’s Highway. At each place Satan employed a company of expert men who were trained to use a lasso. I saw certain men and women of the King’s Highway who became so inflated with their own vanity and imaginations that they rose head and shoulder above their humbler comrades, thus enabling the lasso of Pride to get hold of them. Some, by heeding advice, escaped; others submitted to the drawing power and landed in the kingdoms of the World where they could worship their new god with increasing ardor.

There was also a certain young man who doted so much on his own ways that his head rose unusually high. He was, therefore, easily caught by a lasso called Conceit. Good friends came to his rescue and told him to realize at once that he was nothing, and thereby he would suddenly become so small that he would drop completely out of his trouble.

But he said that he could not believe a lie, whereat the lasso tightened still more about his neck, and he succeeded by still further struggling to remain a very brief time on the King’s Highway; but being in pain, he soon yielded to the inevitable and went to worship before the shrine of his own god.

I also saw that the women of the King’s Highway were an exceeding great army, mighty in battling against the foe, much to the discomfiture of Satan and his allies.

To counteract the influence of this sex Satan has plied his ingenuity ever since the beginning. In his Pharaoh fashion he has so manipulated the customs of the world that woman is trampled under foot in uncivilized lands, and in lands of light she is ostracized by sections of the Christian church and despised in the civil realm. And yet, with a faithful heart, she suffers this indignity and, looking up from underneath this weight, she offers to the powers that crush her down the holiest sacrifice that one can give.

O spirit of the age, like flowers of Heaven, Thy fragrance will not die, but live eternal; And woman shall, some holier, happier day, Attain her highest glory in the world.

Yet notwithstanding all these means wherewith Satan has made the path of woman so hard to travel, he has discovered that he can not disgrace her by any means so effectually as through the old temptation.

Consequently Satan has kept the seed of the central tree of the garden and still raises, on the broad uplands of Hell, _forbidden fruit_ which, through engrafting processes, has come to many varieties.

This mysterious product of the tree, so suited to the natural palate of womankind, is provided abundantly on each side of the King’s Highway along the whole length of the Valley of Temptation, and is offered, ostensibly, free of charge.

I watched, with chagrin and horror, the subtle influences of this fiendish work, seeing young women and those of riper experience go down alike under this intoxication of Hell.

As I looked again at the whole Valley, what sad sights of intemperance painfully greeted my eyes!

The intervening ground was a veritable bed of iniquity, for it swarmed with half-clothed inebriates who patronized the miserable and filthy hovels of lowest resort, while inebriates, in finer array, entered the apartments which were decorated and finished in all the beauty that wealth could afford, and supplied with alcoholic beverages under a fashionable bill of fare.

I could see the same Devil controlling all, and the same gutter or the same Hell receiving all who did not yield to the agencies of eternal life.

Among the many temperance organizations that operated throughout the valley I observed a band of women who threatened to overthrow the evil. They had, by long persistent effort, discovered the underground connections between the distillery and the saloons, and therefore they were endeavoring to kill the traffic at the head. This movement at first created laughter in the ranks of the foe, but the women have continued patiently and have built a thousand batteries from which they hurl projectiles of death into the camp of intemperance. Since then the agents of darkness have ceased their laughter and instead have set to building defences behind which they hope to carry on their business with impunity.

But the bands of women have entered into an eternal agreement, pledged their faith one to another, and have been calling upon Heaven for help; therefore they declare that no flag will be lowered, and no gun will be silent until the great wall around the city of their foes shall fall, either at a long blast of the horn or a continuous volley from their ramparts.

CHAPTER IX.
THE TOWER OF TEMPTATION.

1. The tower affords the most advantageous view of the world and a most discouraging view of the King’s Highway.

2. The triumphant flight of Mrs. Discouraged from the tower’s top to a place on the King’s Highway called “Victory by Faith.”

3. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member ride from the tower’s top in Satan’s new air ship.

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member continuing on the Broad Highway, entered the Valley of Temptation with all its gaiety and outward happiness. This valley is known by the pilgrims of the King’s Highway as the Devil’s Heaven, for here the tinsel of the world, the pomp of society, and the wealth of material grandeur are manifested in all their glory.

“An exceedingly pleasant valley,” said Mr. World as they drew nearer to the scenes of activity on each side of the way.

“Beyond my anticipation, indeed. Our journey is growing more and more delightful,” she joyously replied.

As they journeyed on Miss Church-Member came into agreeable fellowship with some of her former Christian associates who, by looking over into the territory of the World, coveted its ways and were snared by one or another of Satan’s devices to catch the unwary. The larger portion of these new recruits were firmly convinced that they were still traveling on the road to Heaven, even though they had fully left the Narrow Way.

Miss Church-Member congratulated her comrades of earlier years on their happy choice of a wider and more pleasant path, and they accepted her invitation to spend a season together in the valley.

These new associates were welcomed most cordially by Mr. World who left nothing undone that might add to their comfort or pleasure.

The merry company passed down the valley and paused at a magnificent temperance saloon which occupied nearly the whole space between the two Highways. Into this place of attractive rooms I saw many enter from the King’s Highway, much to the displeasure of their great Master.

In this infernal guise Satan seduces many an unsuspecting traveler to take one more step downward toward the lowest service of his kingdom. Mr. World courteously offered refreshments and conducted his friends into the “Ladies Parlor” where they drank alleged unfermented wines, and admired the sculpture and works of art which adorned the place. They were then offered their choice of porter, sweet cider, root beer, hot punch (special for a cold), or eggnog for a weak heart. Thus each one was enabled to find a beverage directly suited to his need or taste, for some had contracted a cold, while others were suffering with cardiac troubles.

Not far from this respectable place, and connected secretly therewith, stood a group of buildings patronized by the lower order of criminals and inebriates. These haunts bore a black reputation.

Mr. World and his joyous companions, by reason of their refined natures and good standing in the church, would not so much as look at such despicable resorts, but continued their journey until they came to a wider section of the valley where they saw numberless rescue bands at work, but especially a great army of Endeavorers presenting a formidable front.

“Whence came this company so great that it cannot be numbered?” asked Mr. World in a state of nervous agitation.

One of the new companions quickly answered: “They come from the King’s Highway and are trying to capture the kingdom of this world and bring it into subjection to God. I know all about them and can testify that they are a mighty and glorious band.” The regiments of this great host were marching on, each soldier equipped with the full panoply of his station. Many of the pilgrims on the Broad Highway trembled at the presence of so powerful an army. It has caused the enemy much concern how to meet and, if possible, conquer this foe. This army of Endeavorers constantly grows and, according to the claims of the enemy, the most successful plans to oppose it are not yet matured. Satan has promised his forces that he would utterly rout these daring legions as soon as some new inventions of war can be perfected.

The merry companions, not being moved with anger, endured the gigantic display of this host without chagrin.

Mr. World quieted his rising fears and urged his comrades onward past the Tobacco Station until they reached the centre of the valley where the King’s Highway was the roughest, and the Broad Highway the smoothest.

Here was built the most remarkable structure of the valley. A high tower of imposing strength occupied the whole space between the two highways. Its foundations were broad and totally covered the King’s Highway with a massive arch.

This was known amongst Christians as the Devil’s Tower, or Tower of Temptation. It was built by Satan, and was said to afford the finest view of the world to all who would consent to take a ride upward in its electric carriage.

The location of the tower was perfectly adapted to the purpose intended. Scarcely any pilgrims _en route_ for Heaven passed by without taking a view of the sights.

Before this mountain was built, a high mountain-cliff, on one side of the valley, was used by the agents of darkness for the same purpose.

Thereon David ascended and saw the prosperity of the wicked until envy filled his soul, and his “steps had well-nigh slipped.” Had it not been that by faith he looked to a mountain far away, and understood the end of the prosperous worldly minded, he might have there fallen to his death.

Upon this mountain Satan took Christ, the Son of God, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and said unto him: “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”

From this tower Judas saw the wealth of the world, and there was begotten within him an inordinate craving for earthly gain which at last dragged him down to a miserable end.

As time rolled on, Satan erected this magnificent tower higher than the loftiest crag of the mountain. I saw that Mr. World and his companions were looking at the exterior finish of the tower, after which they stepped to the base and spent some time in watching the many schemes that were employed to induce disheartened Christians to take the Broad Highway after descending the tower.

They saw that one of the most successful of these schemes was a series of little offices occupied by fortune tellers of reputed ability. In one of these they saw an old woman with a mysterious face. She professed to be able, by her strange conjuring, to reveal the future of any life.

A certain Mr. Downcast, who was a church-member and had just come from the top of the tower, visited this fortune teller, and by her descriptions of his happy future on the Broad Highway he was induced to travel thereon at once.

Mr. World and his companions decided to get the benefit of the broad view which could be had from the top of the tower. They entered a car at the base and were delighted by the gentle ascent toward the clouds.

Upon reaching the top of the tower they were approached by an obliging attendant and furnished with spy glasses of great power with which they could see more distinctly the beauty and greatness of the world, and the roughness and inconvenience of traveling the King’s Highway. _To each one was also given an ingenious pocket mirror in which could be seen, at any time, the inconsistencies of church-members._

I saw throngs of people circling the top of the tower, and many evil agents busily engaged in the interest of their master.

There had just come from the King’s Highway a group of church-members upon whom the scenery had a doleful effect. Some were filled with melancholy, and some were sullen, while despondency sent germs of slow death into other minds.

These conditions enabled Satan to destroy more easily all hope within them of ever succeeding on a way that appeared more rugged than ever, and also made them more desirous to taste the joys of this present life which now lay before them in such a winning way.

I then saw one called Mrs. Discouraged who had never before seen so much of the world at once. She stood on the edge of the tower not far from Mr. World and his companions, and listened to one of the polite attendants who had given her also a spy glass.

Mrs. Discouraged looked down upon the natural comforts of life which were here seen to best advantage. She saw, with ease, the Broad Highway presenting a picture of happiness as far as the glass could reach.

Then did one of the smooth-tongued attendants speak to another group of pilgrims who also had just come from the King’s Highway.

“Witness the glory of the Broad Highway and see how it goes down this valley ever into finer stretches of country. See on yonder distant elevations that magnificent University of the World built at an enormous cost and sacrifice for the accommodation of all travelers. Each one of you who reaches the lower end of this valley should take the Mountain Trolley and spend a season at those schools. They occupy some of the grandest buildings in the world. Focus your glasses and behold the great sight.”

Continuing he said: “The path you see leading down there, in this other part of the valley, is called King’s Highway, very rough indeed, as you all can see. Thereon it is hard to travel and difficult to stand still. It is so narrow that if a traveler should stand still, he is constantly harassed or pushed about by those who wish to pass on. The other highway furnishes a marked contrast, for there a person may stand still without annoyance to himself or anyone else. The way is so wide that he can even sit on an easy chair and yet not be in the way of others who wish to hasten on. The one who built this Wider Way kept in mind the convenience and comfort of travelers.

“The so-called King’s Highway,” still continued the attendant, “is beset with many dangers, and passes through many places similar to the one far down the valley.” They all looked through their glasses and saw the Meshes of Doubt on each side of the Narrow Way.

“Those are the sorts of places,” concluded the speaker, “that one must constantly pass through in the service of an imaginary king.”

Mrs. Discouraged saw all these things and heard all these words. She was so disheartened that she knew not what to do.

“Have I served my God in vain?” she questioned inwardly. “Must all my testimonies fall to the earth? Surely the way of the world seems to be an easy way, and more suited to a person in trouble.”

She suddenly fell on her knees, as she was wont to do in such emergencies, and, behold, I saw her, on wings of prayer, fly in triumph from the tower’s top, down the valley, over the Meshes of Doubt, and land on the King’s Highway in a most glorious place called Victory by Faith. She thence went on her way rejoicing.

The great victory of Mrs. Discouraged who, on wings of prayer, escaped from he Tower of Temptation to a place called Victory by Faith.

Then did the attendant on the tower speak of her in ridicule. “The poor mortal, in her insanity, has descended to a bad level and must, of necessity, climb yonder terrible hill which, as your eyes bear testimony, is the last part of the Narrow Way visible from this tower.”

“She went, however, in a miraculous way. Those wings were sure and steady, and I was pleased with the swiftness of her flight,” said Mrs. Diligence who was also a pilgrim from the King’s Highway.

“Without doubt,” answered the attendant, “but she went with heavy labor of her wings. Had she told me that she wished to take a flight, I could have given her a finer trip in one of the aerial ships lately invented by the experts of the Wizard City. I will summon one. Look no more at Mrs. Discouraged with wings, but fix your eyes toward the east, and you will soon witness the floating car whereon thousands go out daily from this tower into pleasant places.”

As he said this he gave a signal, and soon the strangely shaped airship came in sight, to the delight of all who saw it.

“It must be far better,” said one of the spectators, “to travel in a car like that, than to be working your wings in the air.”

“A thing of beauty.” “The greatest invention of the century.” “It moves as easily as a bird,” were some of the various sentences that were spoken enthusiastically as the object drew nearer.

“Shall we ride in it?” quickly asked Mr. World as he turned to the little group at his side.

The new companions who so recently came from the King’s Highway timorously fell back at his abrupt suggestion, but Miss Church-Member offered to accompany him.

As the aerial machine was stopping at the tower Mr. World and Miss Church-Member speedily exchanged words of farewell and prepared for the new ride.

They were soon numbered with a host of expectant passengers on board. The lines were loosened and the weird airship cut the wind like a large bird on wing, and sped away to the pleasure grounds along the Broad Highway where most of the passengers, being blinded by sin, found such delightsome fellowship that they refused thereafter to travel on any other than the Wider Way.

CHAPTER X.
DARK SCHEMES OF SATAN.

1. The two companions land far down the valley on “The Midway,” whence they take the Mountain Trolley and visit the underground Schools of Suicide.

2. Satan’s primitive address on Literature.

The aerial car carried Mr. World and Miss Church-Member to the far end of the Valley of Temptation where they spent a delightful season in the pleasures of sense and sight.

They lingered mostly on the wide intervening space between the two paths which was known in this part of the valley as “The Midway.” Here they saw a large number of pilgrims from the King’s Highway who were engaging in one or another of the endless amusements which can be enjoyed without stepping altogether on the Broad Highway.

On this long Midway humanity swarmed by millions. Some, forgetful of their vows, or regardless of their honor, stepped into the lower haunts of vice, and offered sweet flowers of purity and fragrance in exchange for dry and filthy husks from the floor of the stall. But Miss Church-Member, in keeping with her moral character, did not surrender her chastity, and although she had such continual fellowship with Mr. World she yet held the respect of many other church-members; for it was quite fashionable to belong to the church and still walk in the ways of the world. Satan, under a hellish guise, offered to give, even before death, handsome rewards to any church-member who succeeds in carrying a certain amount of the world with him on his way to Heaven, and multitudes were trying the experiment. Some, in hope of winning larger prizes, were verily loaded down with the worrying weights of the world.

Looking away from this immediate vicinity of the valley, any traveler could see, far above the surrounding scenes, the “University of the World,” whose front buildings crested the mountain elevations for many miles. This imposing sight had awakened the admiration of Mr. World and his friend, and had it not been for the countless attractions of the Midway they would have hurriedly pushed their way to the schools, immediately after the aerial car had carried them over the proud domes of the University and landed them in the vale.

During one of the darker periods which now and then cover the whole Midway with its shadows, the two companions caught the flashes of variously-colored lights which emanated from every part of the elevated structure, making the entire mountain appear as if a vast crown of nature were decked with dazzling diamonds rare.

Miss Church-Member was excited by this unusual show of brilliancy, and nothing on the lower level could any longer hold her attention.

“How can we best rise to that glorious summit?” she inquired with a glow of enthusiasm.

“Ah,” smiled Mr. World, “surely we need not think of walking up this mountain. Have you forgotten the obliging attendant who advised us as we stood on the beautiful tower? Did he not direct us to take the Mountain Trolley?”

Without delay they sought the Midway station, entered one of the up-to-date cars, and instead of going directly to the mountain top they were surprised to find that they were being carried into the bowels of the mountain.

“Whence go we dashing through the dark?” asked the terror-stricken Miss Church-Member as she held fast to Mr. World.

But ere her escort could answer they came into an immense cavern dimly lighted. The car stopped at a station called Rest, and a voice announced in distinct tones: “Come, ye troubled or distressed, and ye who are disgraced! Here linger in this underground school and learn of the rest that is for the weary.”

“What is your wish?” courteously asked Mr. World.

“I am neither in trouble nor in disgrace. Why should I tarry?”

“Only to see the lower schools before we go to the higher,” was his winning answer.

They alighted and walked forth in the dismal light. They could readily discern strangely shaped buildings of a costly type. The air was stifling, and everything wore a melancholy dress; yet, withal, there was a pleasing charm about the place. Some secret touch in the doleful music, or some bright tinge to the ominous shadows, awakened a curiosity and a hope in the visitors that prevented them from leaving the cavern at once.

In a half-decided mood Mr. World and Miss Church-Member meandered through this sickly region, and had decided to leave the place when they saw this illuminated motto over a massive arch:

TO ALL WHO ARE DISGRACED! THE SHORTEST ROUTE TO REST! (ENTRANCE.)

A genial attendant informed Mr. World that visitors were welcome, but Miss Church-Member consented to enter only after some hesitancy. It was indeed a dark school, with long narrow halls where one could only see the darker side of life. Everything about the place evidenced the dark designs of Satan. The teachers in this infamous place, by a series of graded instructions, suggested to their pupils that suicide was the surest and shortest road to rest. In the darker rooms of the rear I saw, to my horror, a scene that neither Mr. World nor Miss Church-Member was permitted to see. _It was the daily graduating class of this school of suicide._ Each member of the class was instructed by what new method he might rend the strand of life with his own hand, in the desperate and sickening hope of finding rest “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

I quickly turned from this revolting spectacle, and saw that Mr. World and Miss Church-Member had returned to the station called Rest. They boarded the first car and were soon speeding on through Dismal Tunnel. It was a welcome moment when the car emerged from the darkness into the light of day and took its winding course upward toward the microcosm of schools, which, as seen from this side of the mountain, also presented a picture of imposing magnitude.

When the car reached the University station Mr. World and his friend alighted, and at once entered one of the carriages in waiting. They were hurried away toward a group of immense structures known as the “College of the World’s Literature;” and yet with all the immensity of its buildings, it was but a small part of the whole University which lay far extended over the distant mountain elevations.

As the noiseless carriage sped along I turned toward Blackana, who, in strange muteness still tarried at my side. “I command you, O Black Interpreter, to tell me of the origin and management of this College of Literature.” As I spoke he turned his face in a manner that made me tremble. His sepulchral, husky voice only added to my uneasiness.

“It originated,” he explained, “in simpler form, immediately after Satan commenced operations on the face of the earth. Parallel with the progress of every age it has increased to its present proportions. That which you see is but the central point of this great educational enterprise. Its unseen branches extend into every part of the world. The whole system is under the control of Satan. His most learned disciples have charge of the special departments.”

“And what is the purpose of this limitless scheme?” I further queried. The whole organism of Blackana quivered with reluctance as if he would not answer. “Refuse me not,” I continued, “you well know that I have underneath me the everlasting arms.”

He was restless for a moment, angrily rolling his awful eyes. Suddenly his attitude changed and he thus calmly answered my question: “The purpose of all these schools is to counteract and, if possible, to destroy the influence of the teachings of Him who is called Jesus Christ. He was once visible in the flesh and declared that his kingdom was everlasting. Of him it was said that he would reign till he put all things under his feet.”

Then did Blackana add with fiery emphasis: “_Neither my master nor any of his allies will ever be put under his feet._ Satan’s words ran wild as he addressed the insulted hosts of Hell on this issue.” Knowing that Blackana had a perfect memory, I commanded that he should reproduce Satan’s address in my own dialect.

Like a flash of lightning he flung himself to the winds around me, thereby transforming himself into the image of Satan. It appeared as if a thousand spirits in fitful rage were dancing in mid-air.

Then his voice pealed forth the logic of Hell as Satan had spoken it centuries before: “Have ye heard, my noble comrades, how that Heaven flings insults into our teeth? Not satisfied that we grovel on these remains of empire, we are further threatened with being cast miserably under his feet. Whose feet I ask? The feet of our direst foe, whom to worship, as he desireth, means serfdom worse than ours. Is there one of you who will surrender his native dignity in such a fashion?”

Millions of voices rendered the air hideous with their cries, so accurately did Blackana reproduce it all.

“I knew your sentiments,” continued he, triumph ringing in his tones. “What can we do but stand unitedly on our rustic frontier, and push the conquest on to farther realms. Then all Heaven will learn that we are made of grit too fine and true to lie beneath the feet of any foe.”

As Blackana continued, I was struck with shuddering terror at his awful gestures; but conscious that no harm could befall me, I continued listening to his flaming oratory.

“We must arise and seize our opportunities. Go forth, under cover of night, and sow the seed of our own growing; this will flourish in the very soil that Christ would bring to highest cultivation. The germs of our literature, rooted in human soil and growing secretly beneath the surface, shall spread throughout the world and come to fruitage in the light of every clime.

“We must build schools of literature, inspire the authors of the world with our fine creed, and thereby spread our doctrines to the myriad readers of every land and tongue. Who then, amongst our enemies, can kill the appetite when once ’tis roused to craving for the carnal? Give me the quill and the coming pen and press, and I can create thought at my bidding and turn the main streams of human endeavor into whatsoever channels I choose; and thus our river shall run full, while other streams are drying.

“With such a work how can our cause grow less or we go groveling under any foot? Impossible, my heroes! for we will live in glorious triumph to the end of time. On to your tasks, listening multitudes, and he who most successfully counteracts the so-called ‘Truth’ shall be a ruler in my kingdom, and shine more brightly than the radiance of all this region.”

Thus was the speech suddenly ended, and I heard the unearthly reverberations of the fiendish cheering by the mighty host, while the form of Satan vanished; but from his waning shadows Blackana came forth and in death-like silence again resumed his sullen attitude at my side.

CHAPTER XI.
SCHOOLS OF LITERATURE. FIRST AND SECOND DIVISIONS.

1. The schools described.

2. The literature of the world tainted by the teachers of darkness.

3. Satan’s rules for the winning author.

The College of Literature, in three grand divisions, occupied one of the most attractive sites of all the territory covered by the University of the World. It was owned and controlled by Satan, and was visited by the children of the human family from every portion of the earth.

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member came thither in a conveyance. They stood before the massive structure which comprised the first division of the College. Around them were the living fountains which, like pearls in billows of green, played upon the expansive lawn. While they strolled along the pebbled paths they were lost in admiration as they continued looking upon the stupendous building which towered far into the air and extended as far as the eye could reach. In breathless silence they noted first its size, then its durability, and marveled most at the splendid symmetry of the parts, each blending into a perfect whole.

“Heaven must have inspired so great and beautiful a design,” was the first comment of Miss Church-Member. “Those porticos hanging in mid-air, those domes and pillars, dreamlike, stand before me more like a hundred fabled castles than aught real to sight or touch.”

“Indeed the world affords rich and delightful privileges to all who will but walk in her ways,” said Mr. World just as they arrived at one of the large entrances, over which these words were written:

DEPOSITORY OF THE WORLD’S LITERATURE, WELCOME TO ALL!

As Miss Church-Member viewed the weighty pillars on each side of the entrance, she exclaimed: “This is indeed a rare opportunity. Methinks I could revel, with delight, forever in fields of literature. Come, Mr. World, let us at once pass through the massive doors and learn what we can from so great a source.”

Although the literary tastes of Mr. World were not strongly developed, yet he offered no objections to her request. He seemed willing to suffer any inconvenience for her sake so long as she traveled on the Broad Highway. As they were entering the building I saw that many from the church and the world were also pushing their way into the interior that they might get a glimpse of the inner halls, and visit the ones that were best suited to their fancies.

Miss Church-Member was surprised when she saw the unique arrangement of the interior. There were twenty-eight magnificent halls so constructed that they converged toward a large central office into which I saw Mr. World and his companion enter, profoundly impressed with the smallness of the single human mind.

After answering the stipulated questions, they registered under the rules and regulations and were given certificates entitling them to all the privileges which this first division of the College accorded to visitors.

In the commodious office they learned that each of the twenty-eight halls contained a distinctive line of literature, systematically arranged in numerous sub-departments; and that competent librarians superintended the literature of each hall and of each department.

Miss Church-Member ascertained also that each hall was centrally supplied with a lecture room having an immense seating capacity, and that learned professors, each in their turn, occupied the platform and constantly gave lectures which were intended to describe and illustrate the class of literature represented in their faculties.

After considerable time spent in the office, they passed through the long and wide circular lobby, reading the beautifully emblazoned inscriptions over each entrance door, but they could not immediately decide into which hall they would first enter.

At length after a pleasant loitering, Mr. World led his charming comrade into the fourth hall, over whose entrance, in plain words, this inscription appeared:

ALL THAT WAS EVER WRITTEN CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST.

They first chose to enter a sub-department where ancient scrolls, parchments, and papyri could be seen in tiresome variety. Miss Church-Member scanned most carefully some of the manuscripts which had never been published.

In other sections of the hall there were books and pamphlets of all descriptions, each one referring to Jesus Christ in a favorable or an unfavorable manner.

During these visitations the attendants extended unusual courtesies to Mr. World and his faithful friend, and also to the endless procession of visitors and students who were constantly moving through these departments. Finally the two companions proceeded to the lecture room of this hall and listened to an address entitled: “The Divinity of Christ,” by one of Satan’s ablest advocates a professor with ecclesiastical titles. His gestures were unique and his style altogether persuasive.

I heard his words with great displeasure, for they taught the philosophy of Hell, with Heaven on the face of it.

“I must congratulate myself,” commenced he, “on having the privilege of addressing so intelligent a class of people. I only hope that I may be helpful to you in your quest of knowledge.

“The central theme of this hall is ‘Jesus Christ’ and I shall now proceed to speak of his so-called ‘Divinity.’ I cannot question that there is a supreme hand in the works of nature, but after careful research I am compelled to doubt the genuineness of the Divinity which is ascribed to Christ. True enough, his childhood was blameless, and he possessed exceptional wisdom so that many of his countrymen believed him to be more than human. In this manner the idea of his Divinity originated, and this fallacy grew as the man grew.

“He was shrewd, and possessed a great amount of magnetic force which was trained and used with remarkable skill, all of which made him pose as a god before a credulous and unsuspecting public. The ignorance and gross superstition of that age made a fit soil for the spread of Christ’s doctrine and the idea that he was Divine.

“When Jesus discerned that his claims were more readily accepted by the poorer and more ignorant class of people, he lauded them in his teachings, while the learned and more respectable classes were subjected to his abuse and sarcasm.

“By his unusual tactics overcame the prejudices of his enemies and, for a long time, escaped punishment. But finally he was arrested and convicted and, notwithstanding his so-called Divine power, he came to an inglorious end by death on a cross. His friends, unable to prevent his cursed death, quickly formed a plot to perpetuate his doctrines. They carried out their plot by stealthily robbing Christ’s body from the grave and secretly burying it elsewhere, and then spreading the news that he, of his own power, came forth from the grave. To complete the fraud they also claimed, a little later, that he had ascended into Heaven. What was the purpose of all this? It was to prove that Christ was Divine and thereby to make his teachings authoritative and eternal.

“I wish to inform you that the manuscripts and parchments, in sub- department number six of this hall, all point to the fact that Jesus Christ was born like any other babe and that his father was Joseph. Dishonest, indeed, is any one who would rob Joseph of this honor. ‘Honor to whom honor is due.’ While Christ was a great man, he never had in him the elements of Divinity. Let millions in the world glory in their imaginary theology, yet that is no reason why scholarly research should be put to naught, or why it should be sacrificed. We are living in the morning twilight of a better day when God shall be worshiped and Jesus Christ ignored when all thought of Divinity will center at the true focus and a man will no longer receive the glory that belongs to God.”

The vigorous applause which followed the remarks of this speaker fell with grating horror on my ears. “Can it be possible,” thought I, “that any one can publicly teach such doctrines of Hell, and be thus applauded? Whither are so many of the church and the world drifting that they should give ear to such theology as it comes from the mouth of the Devil?”

Miss Church-Member and her escort left the lecture room and visited a few more of the sub-departments where they saw many objects of literary interest and, with the aid of experts, examined some of the old manuscripts dating back to the time of Christ. They left the hall and were next attracted by the words over the entrance of Hall No. 9 appearing thus:

LITERATURE ON LIFE.

1. Vegetable Life. 2. Animal Life. 3. Mental Life. 4. Spiritual Life.

At the suggestion of Miss Church-Member they entered, and could readily see that the attendants and lecturers of this hall were also of a very high class. One of the speakers elaborated on the theory that life is the result of spontaneous generation.

Another, in speaking on spiritual life, made special reference to the fact that Jesus Christ claimed to be the “Life,” and then proceeded to refute this claim by a series of arguments which were altogether too philosophical to be understood by the two companions.

Finding no pleasure in this metaphysical atmosphere, Mr. World conducted his companion to the adjoining hall devoted to the “Literature of Fiction.”

Here they spent a season delightfully, perusing works of fiction and listening to addresses, all of which advocated the views of Satan.

I heard one of the lecturers, in a discussion on “The License of Pure Fiction” make these dangerous remarks: “The highest fiction of the world is that in which human life is pictured in ideal colors, even though it be done at the expense of truth.

“There can be no harm if the reader should gain a false view of life. The very charm of such a view will act as a stimulus to a wider experience and to a higher culture.

“In our real life, as we come in daily contact with the world, we see and suffer enough. Therefore it cannot be harmful if fiction carries us into strange worlds of morality or into any mythical realm. I give you but the result of long and careful study, and I advise you to read the wildest and most exciting forms of fiction, and thereby get the healthful and exhilarating effect that comes from total mental absorption. All this will tend to the development of your nature so that you will, by contrast, better appreciate the substantial things of life.”

I saw that Mr. World and Miss Church-Member next visited the hall devoted to the “Literature of the Passions.” After they had entered, Miss Church-Member, at first, felt embarrassed, and her sense of modesty would not have allowed her to remain had it not been that her conscience was eased by these conditions:

1. She saw that among the moving thousands that were present in the massive hall many belonged to the higher classes of society.

2. She was also informed that not a few of the throng held good membership in various branches of the visible church.

3. She readily observed that Mr. World was so much delighted that she offered no protest, and that he seemed to take an interest in the endless program as carried out in one department or another.

In this poisonous hall Miss Church-Member stultified herself more than in any other place which she had ever before visited, and thereby added one more decisive step in her downward course. She tarried longest in one of the sub-departments where Satan’s expert doctors of literature delivered their special lectures on the writings of each author as far as they related directly or indirectly to the passions.

These avowed experts carried on their fiendish work under the cover of a pleasing dignity. After their crafty manner they quoted or read the fine sentences of an author, preferably those of a sensual cast, and then placed a premium on the passionate by describing the fine style of the author and showing how true to nature was the language he employed.

Thus I saw that the leaders of this department were using the choicest and the foulest productions of the pen, gathered from the authors of all lands, languages and ages, and Miss Church-Member, by degrees almost imperceptible, voluntarily sacrificed her finer moral taste on a popular and polluted altar.

To a pure heart there was an unclean cast and a withering effect prevalent throughout all the departments of this hall, and my heart burned as I continued observing how the agents of Satan plied their subtle influences so as to popularize this cosmopolitan resort. So effectually has Satan entrenched his views that some of the strong defenders of this hall of literature are connected with the church, and types of this same teaching have found their way into some of the Christian schools of the world.

After this protracted visit Mr. World and Miss Church-Member left this hall and continued their studies in hall after hall, until more than one half of the twenty-eight halls were visited. Their next objective point was the second grand division of this College devoted to “_The Elements of Success in Authorship._”

My heart trembled at what my eyes saw. The great army of writers who studied in this department came from all countries of the earth. “Can it be true,” thought I, “that so large a portion of our authors get at least a part of their training in the schools of the Devil?”

“O Blackana!” I sighed, “how long have these things been?”

“Since the beginning of literature,” was his cold and brief reply.

“Always so large a percentage of the world’s authors found at that school?”

“It has never been on the decrease,” he continued. “So many have visited these halls that it has been a veritable meeting-place of almost all authors of all lands and all ages at some stage in their careers. Some who came tarried long; others, not satisfied, foolishly drifted to the schools of the King’s Highway which ever carry on their work in opposition to the University of the World.”

Here also, in this second grand division, the subtlest kind of teaching was prevalent. In one sub-division Mr. World and Miss Church-Member read these general laws written in bold letters where all who desired could read:

RULES FOR THE WINNING AUTHOR.

1. Give quality rather than quantity.

2. If you will not compose your best, compose nothing. The world is heavily overstocked with inferior compositions.

3. Write nothing that will cause regret on your death-bed.

4. Do not follow in the rut. Go by some path untraveled before, over land or sea, and tell the world of your new discoveries.

5. To be acceptable, in the highest sense, you must teach differently than others, even though it be at the expense of what is commonly called “truth.” Novelty is the winning feature.

6. In any one composition strive first to arouse the curiosity of your intended readers; then keep the curiosity suspended and finally give it satisfaction in accordance with the aim in view.

7. You may be influenced by religion, but not by religious nonsense. If your writings win, you are a teacher of millions. So, in order to reach the public ear, you may cater to the tastes and wishes of the majority.

8. If you see some vile conditions of humanity, send out, in your writings, vials of vileness. “Like cures like.” If any part of the church cries, “poison, poison!” you may justify yourself by the fact that the so-called “poison” in your productions will only neutralize the poison so prevalent in society, on the same principle that poison is administered to a sickly body in order to effect a cure.

9. You are always safest when you are true to nature, even though some sentimental people may charge you with being vulgar.

10. Words of profanity are not allowable if they are the mere expression of the author, but any foul or profane expression may be quoted. An author should not be charged with the impropriety of his characters who are merely taken from actual life.

The above ten commandments, if properly interpreted and obeyed, will surely lead to literary success.

Then Mr. World escorted his confiding friend from hall to hall of this second grand division, and at many intervals they could be seen spending a quiet season on the lawns which surrounded the entire structure.

Their tastes were now more in harmony than ever, and their friendship was fast reaching that intimacy where each one was searching for pearls in the deep ocean of the other’s love.

CHAPTER XII.
THE THEATRE.

1. Mr. World and his friend tarry at Satan’s Theatres which lay in seven grades, one below the other.

2. A description of the “Century Session” held by the demons having in charge the Theatre interests of Satan.

The College of Theatres lay between the second and third divisions of the Schools of Literature. The numerous structures were built on so large a scale, and after such winning designs, that the attention of many travelers was attracted to them and thereby to the performances given within their walls.

Here could be found some of the graduates of the Schools of Literature who were constantly engaged on one or another of the stages.

All these theatrical attractions belonged to the first grade and formed a part of a great system of Theatres which lay in seven grades, one below the other, each serving its part to engross the human mind with the carnal and sensual things of life.

The performances of the first grade were practically free from the vulgar touches found, with increasing intensity, as one goes downward toward the seventh grade which lay beneath the Midway in the Valley of Temptation.

In these Satanic Theatres of the first grade respectability is maintained purposely so as to ensnare as many professing Christians as possible, for there are many in the ranks of the church who are building with nothing but wood, hay, and stubble. The scheme works so well that the Devil is trying to form a “Stage Trust,” and get all the talent of the King’s Highway to unite. Thus Satan seems to encourage morality in order to carry out his deeply laid schemes of moral pollution.

I looked into the inward workings of this terrible system. I saw multitudes descending downward from the first grade, many of whom ceased not until they had passed through all the seven grades. The scenes and revelations that came to my eyes beggar all description. My heart sickened as I beheld the millions wallowing in the mire of fleshly lusts, apparently living for no higher purpose than to see the latest novelties of expressing lewdness and sensuality.

“This is brute life, indeed,” I soliloquized, “for it can be easily seen that the hearts of these people are so seared and their ears so dull that they have no desire for the music of celestial choirs, or the ecstacies that rise from heart-communion with God.”

I also saw that there were numberless underground connections between the lower Theatres and the Schools of Suicide, and with the varied haunts of Prostitution that infested the whole region.

This startling fact also forced its way to my attention:—_the money flowing from the entire seven grades fell into one treasury_, so that they who moved in the supposed moral atmosphere of the first and second grades were, nevertheless, patrons of the whole iniquitous business. At once I thought of the churches that were in sympathy, or league, with this part of the work along the Broad Highway. And I inwardly uttered these sad sentences:

“_It is no more a mystery why such churches have lost their holy influence and their warmth of spiritual life, while worldliness flourishes from the pew to the pulpit_.”

The Devil’s Substitute to the Prayer-Meeting (The Christians left their Bibles at home.)

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member spent several seasons of leisure in the Theatres of the first and second grades. Finally he invited her to accompany him to a Refined Vaudeville in the third grade Theatre district. It happened to be on the same day of the week that she had formerly been accustomed to attend prayer meeting. This fact awakened memories of bygone days, and brought feelings of sadness to her heart. Mr. World, by an artful diversity of language, arrested her mind and calmed her conscience as he playfully remarked: “This will be a good substitute for the prayer-meeting.”

I saw the two enter the Vaudeville with many other church-members that mingled with the jostling crowds. These Christians left their Bibles at home, while some took as a substitute their opera glasses. They can see through these better than they can through their Bibles.

While Mr. World and Miss Church-Member tarried at the Theatres, I was permitted to see a conference of the evil spirits that had in charge the Theatre interests of Satan. The conference met at the opening of the year 1901 what was called “The Century Session.”

For the time I was lost to all other surroundings, and I could hear all and see all as if I occupied the best seat. The unusual parliament seemed to be held underground, and yet one could enter directly from the surface of the earth.

The assemblage was controlled by a highly honored chief, cool and deliberate in manner. Every kind of imp imaginable could be found in the number that constituted the many committees.

I witnessed every part of the diabolical proceedings, and will here disclose a portion of these doubly sealed secrets.

After all preliminaries were brushed away, I heard seven ominous clangs, and silence reigned supreme. The chairman rose to speak. What a mingling of light and darkness! How truly Satanic his every feature and every move! How earnest his brief address, every word in the interest of Satan’s blasting work.

“Give heed, oh, ye co-workers, bound under oath to give a true report! Our cause has made advances, and our work calls for the ripest service we can give. _The theatre modernized is fast winning the church. All honor, ye spirits who played your parts so well!_ The century has just closed, but not our opportunity. Let coming years be one of mightier conquest. Down with the narrow truth and morbid righteousness, and all things else that check our onward marching!” For a moment the chairman was silent. Then, as he raised his hand, I heard a hideous clang which proved to be the signal for the report of “The-Moral-Effect-of-the-Theatre” committee. Forthwith the whole committee stood _en masse_ before the chairman. “Our work goes on with speed,” cried the leader of the gang. “In every district we are gaining ground.”

“I have watched your progress with joyful pride,” answered the chairman, as he smiled in hellish glee. “But I noted the sharp conflicts you had with certain reformers in the churches.”

“Some of them we cannot conquer,” despairingly admitted the leader.

“Grieve not over forts you cannot take, but make good use of those that have surrendered.”

“They are firing our guns splendidly,” quickly intercepted the leader, as he rose and read the following report:

1. “We have labored earnestly in the ranks of the church until many more of her members now believe that the moral effect of our Theatres is helpful.

2. “We have succeeded in dividing the members of many churches on this question, and have witnessed, with pleasure, the many kinds of quarrels that have resulted therefrom.

3. “We have succeeded in turning the tide of many periodicals, so that the defense of the Theatre, as a moral stimulant, is more general than ever.”

As the leader closed his brief report, the chairman offered his compliments, and the host cheered with vigor.

The committee retired. The chairman again lifted his hand and two clangs were heard. This was the signal for the appearance of the “Park-Theatre” committee.

“Good tidings, or ill?” tersely asked the chairman.

“Good tidings of the first degree,” cheerily replied the leader of the committee as he proceeded to read his document:

1. “We labored, with all zeal, to carry out the schemes concocted previously.

2. “We have succeeded in locating a series of free Theatres at every summer park where we could possibly induce the management to admit them.

3. “These Theatres, even though they be of a third or fourth class, are doing a great service for us by implanting a taste for other grades.

4. “By this happy medium we are winning young people and church-members by the thousand, for they can attend these Park exhibitions without being severely criticised.

5. “We are careful to give them enough immoral and sensual bait to draw them further. (Wild applause.)

6. “These innocent Park Theatres must not be abandoned, for they are a sure training school. We hereby pledge ourselves anew to go forth more earnestly to our tasks.” (Furious applause over the whole assembly.)

“Have you met with any hindrances to your work?” queried the chairman of the meeting.

“Many indeed. Some Parks refuse our class of Theatres, while others are closed to every class. But our committee is determined to push ahead.”

“Onward, ye comrades,” urged the chairman. “Buy up the stock of every Park, if possible, and furnish recreation for the church. Do not become too bold at first in the introduction of lewd and foolish plays, or you may be fought by the popular churches.”

“Hardly possible,” replied the leader. “So many in the church are glad to wink at these incongruities, for they are thereby given a chance to satisfy their carnal appetites without being classed with the regular Theatre crowd.”

“This is one of our happiest modern hits,” chuckled the chairman, as the committee turned away, amidst the mad-like cheering.

Next I saw that the chairman raised his hand, and at once I heard three sharp clangs which were the signal for the “Church-Choir” committee. “What has the church-choir to do with the Theatre,” thought I, as I saw the obedient host answering to their call.

“What tidings, good or ill?” asked the chairman in a tone of confidence.

“Progress slow, but sure,” briefly answered the leader of the committee as he stepped a little nearer to the chairman to give his report.

“Ours is a difficult task. Some choirs are hedged about that we cannot so much as reach them with suggestions. Nevertheless, we have succeeded in many sections, notably in certain large cities. We report, with pride, that some churches have engaged genuine theatrical singers to render special selections during the regular Sunday services. Is it not an evidence of our success when the opera-stage singer of Saturday night furnishes the chief solo for church-goers on Sunday morning? This is winning certain people to the Theatre, for in many instances they cannot wait until the next Sunday; so they visit several theatres during the week to keep their spiritual strength renewed.”

Then the demons cheered to the echo, and I listened with a sad, heavy heart.

The leader continued:

“We are also endeavoring to get the regular church-choirs to imitate the popular theatrical stars. Of course, we do not oppose the use of religious words, if we cannot induce them to sing our selections. We are aiming to create a taste for the up-to-date novelties in music, in contrast to the old dry singing in certain churches of the King’s Highway.” (Prolonged applause.)

As this tall, wiry demon continued to unfold his deep-laid plans, I well understood why Satan has selected the church-choir as an objective point, and has delegated so large a number of imps to do work in that special direction. I then cried within me: “Oh, that these churches would not use their choir-corners as an advertising medium for the Theatre! And that choirs, in their musical devotions, may be led by the Spirit of God rather than by the imps of Hell!”

This committee retired with special encomiums.

The chairman rose and I heard four sonorous clangs which summoned the “Ministerial” committee. At once its members, in their sedate and portly attitudes, surged down the massive aisles.

I shuddered as I saw the variety of these mean Satanic faces, portraying a depth of vileness, mingled with shrewd and scholarly insight. With great care I studied this pack of Hell-hounds, gathered from the ends of the earth, now standing in sullen mood, ready to give their report.

“What tidings, good or ill?” asked the chairman.

“The tidings are good,” replied the famous leader. “By our efforts we have silenced many a voice which formerly thundered against us. To-day many more ministers are in sympathy with the modern Theatre of the higher grades, although not a few of these must hold their views in secret. Others speak apologetically, and still more come out in bold defense of what they term the ‘Select Theatre.’”

“What do you consider the most hopeful line of your work?” further asked the chairman.

“Our work in the theological schools,” quickly responded the leader. “Special sections of our committee have labored with stealthy vigor to capture the preacher before he reaches the pulpit. The last years of the century have witnessed phenomenal gains for our cause. By winning the theological student early to our Theatrical theories we are likely to gain his heart and sympathy in after years. Our success along these lines is the most hopeful sign of the times, and bespeaks the ushering in of more sensible conditions. (Furious applause.)

“Before retiring,” continued the leader, “let me quote the utterances of a certain broad-minded clergyman: ‘The clean Theatre of the twentieth century will be, and ought to be, the moral prayer-meeting for Christians, while the spiritual prayer-meeting will be held in the church as usual.’”

The whole army of devils cheered like madmen. I was so aroused that I felt that ecclesiastical lynch law should be applied to any minister whose utterances caused such jubilee among the legions of Hell.

I could not remain to hear the report of:

“The Moral Play” committee,

“The Variant Dance” committee,

“The Sacred Concert” committee and other committees whose names I could not learn.

CHAPTER XIII.
SCHOOLS OF LITERATURE. THIRD DIVISION

1. Seven separate halls described.

2. The far-reaching schemes of Satan to pollute the Press and the Pen.

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member, after spending several hours at the Theatres, moved toward the vast groups of buildings comprising the third division of the College of Literature. The structures lay in a semi-circle facing a magnificent court, in the center of which there was a park of surpassing loveliness. On an immense arch, over the center of the park, these words were hung in shining letters:

THIRD DIVISION:

TRUE CHRISTIANITY AND LITERATURE.

As Mr. World and his charming companion entered this great central court, they were quite overcome by the size and beauty of the three score halls, each one widening as its depth increased. Some towered one thousand feet in the air while others sent their proud domes, as it were, into the clouds.

The two companions mingled with the multitudes, engaged in the common pleasures of this open court, and watched with poetic delight the sparkling fountains, while sweet strains of music from scattered orchestras lent their charms to the soul. The shrubbery, flowers and plants, as well as the works of sculpture and pictorial art, all appeared as if angel fingers had been employed in their production and arrangement.

The season here spent by Miss Church-Member was the happiest that she had yet experienced since she had left the King’s Highway. To think that she was now living in the threshold of True Christianity, in its relation to literature, was at once novel and refreshing to her mind, for she now claimed to be a more faithful Christian than ever before.

During their protracted stay at this division they visited the following halls, each one devoted to a specific purpose:

Hall No. 3. “The Bible from a Literary Standpoint.”

Hall No. 8. “The Best Literature for a Sunday School Class.”

Hall No. 9. “The Best Literature for Sunday school Libraries.”

Hall No. 13. “The Best Literature for a True Christian to Read.”

Hall No. 16. “Literature for a Christian’s ‘Grip’ when on a Vacation.”

Hall No. 27. “The Sunday Newspaper and Other Publications.”

Hall No. 38. “The Best Way of Conducting a Religious Newspaper.”

Mr. World spent a day with his appreciative friend under the teaching of Hall No. 3. The professors were exceptionally brilliant, and so won the confidence of their many hearers that what they said seemed to have more weight than even the Bible. They tried to demonstrate that the literary style of the Bible was far below par.

When they entered Hall No. 8 they were surprised to see how large a number of Sunday school workers and teachers were already there. The meeting that day was held largely in the form of an open parliament, and a discussion was in progress concerning the use of the Bible in the class during the study of the lesson.

“Would it not be preferable,” asked an interested visitor, “to use the Bible in the class during the study of the lesson, and use the special helps only for preparation?”

“Don’t think of it, don’t think of it!” abruptly answered the teacher. “It would only be a step backward.”

“It appears to me,” continued the visitor, “that our young people ought to become more familiar in using and handling the Bible, and if it were used in connection with the study of the lesson it would surely prove to be a valuable help, even beyond what the present system affords.”

“And would you throw aside all the very valuable side lights to the lesson that are being produced in such rich variety and abundance?’ hurriedly asked a Sunday school teacher who was present on a furlough.

“Nay, nay,” earnestly spoke the visitor, “let the press go on, but let not its fruit be substituted for the bread of life. Fruit is good, delicious and healthful, but we need the staff of life. _Let the real actual Bible be handled and used in the teaching of the lesson. Then whatever else is wise to use as an auxiliary help may be brought into service_. That is my platform, pure and simple.”

The leader of the meeting was agitated. He impatiently rose to his feet before the last words had fallen from the visitor’s lips.

“Let us use reason,” he said, with a light vein of sarcasm in his voice. “Is it not true that the average child sees enough of the Bible in his home and in the public schools, and that he greatly relishes a change when he comes to the Sunday school?”

“That’s only too true,” spoke up the worldly element who were there in large numbers.

“Let me assure you,” continued the speaker as he was warming to his theme under false fires of devilish sophistry, “in the day when the Bible was used in the Sunday school classes, spiritual ignorance abounded more than now.”

“Why not be satisfied with rapid advancement, instead of inviting retrogression in knowledge, and a double decimation in Sunday school attendance, by compelling scholars to go searching through a book as uninteresting and unfathomable to them as the Bible?”

“One great hindrance to Sunday school work is its pious and sanctimonious tendency. If the schools of the twentieth century are to be successful, we must have less of that Bible stiffness in them, and still more of an open sociability.”

The worldly element and some of the Sunday school teachers were now cheering heartily. But the speaker continued:

“Instead of going to an extreme that means death to the Sunday school by advocating that an army of cold Bibles should go walking into the service, I should rather advocate a change in the other direction, for I am even opposed to the tons of cheap literature filled with cloudy opinions that are now being scattered throughout our schools. We need lesson helps that are interspersed with incidents of adventure, and startling stories that have fire and life in them. Let some publisher take the hint.

“Then the boy or girl whose daily reading may consist of that style of writing will find the Sunday school more congenial to his nature, and he will go there with a bound. In that manner you are certain to win the boy’s heart, after which you can, with tact, send the spiritual truth deeper into his soul. From such a scholar keep the Bible as far away as possible It is not even necessary to lay stress on the fact that the lesson text is, taken from the Bible.

“If the teacher can succeed in holding his respect for the Sunday school, then, in after years, when he is more matured and is better able to reason, you may bring the Bible itself more directly to his attention, and you will secure better results than are prevalent to-day in the Sunday school world.”

The audience cheered lustily. In this cheering Mr. World and his companion joined. The visitor, who was deeply grieved at the warm reception of such destructive doctrines, arose to speak, but the intolerant cried out: “Away with him! We want no more bigotry and one-hundred-years-behind-the time speeches!” At the suggestion of the chairman he was hurried from the room to appear before a commission on lunacy.

The speech had its desired effect. The great majority of the audience were convinced that the Bible was not a “drawing card,” and that it should not be introduced into the class study if it could possibly be avoided. A few pledged that they would do all in their power to effect a revolution in the present system of lesson helps.

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member left this hall and entered Hall No. 9. It was a rare privilege for them to walk through the largest Sunday school library in the world, where many committees were at work selecting books for their respective Sunday schools.

Satan had so ingeniously managed the composition of these books, and so artfully arranged them on the endless shelves, that one could scarcely discern the good parts of a book from the bad, or determine in which section of the hall the largest percentage of good books could be found. In this way committees almost invariably picked up considerable chaff with the wheat.

I looked at Blackana and sighed: “Oh! Blackana, how long will these things be? If only a conflagration would reduce the contents of that hall to ashes!”

“Ah! mortal,” he coldly replied, “these things will never be destroyed, for the building is fire proof. Surely the Sunday school should get as much of its library as possible from a source so well protected.”

“For what fiendish reason?” I asked as I was moved with indignation.

“Nothing fiendish about it. Satan can furnish books at less cost, and thereby be of material financial help to the Sunday school. Furthermore, he is able to furnish a larger variety and a more inviting class of books, with more spicy fiction, and less of that deadness so generally characteristic of the books coming from the hand of a narrow-minded Christian.”

“Silence, thou agent of the Devil! Thou art again dealing in falsehood. When thou speakest to me, speak truthfully or hold thy tongue in quietness.”

He rolled his eyes at me, but spoke no more.

In the early hours of the following day I saw the same two companions enter Hall No. 13 devoted to “The Best Literature for a True Christian to Read.” They moved leisurely from table to table scanning and reading the books and booklets which, in great variety, lay before them.

Weariness urged them to a seat in the lecture department where they were entertained by a scholarly address on “_Choice Literature for a Christian._”

“It must not be forgotten.” said the speaker in one part of his address, “that the mind can be ruined by lack of vigorous exercise. In the physical body the stomach would become weak and sickly were it not compelled, quite frequently, to digest strong foods or a great variety of them. So also the mind, in order to reach its true development, needs a wide variety of thought-food. Not alone that of a sickly-sentimental or sanctimonious kind which in its place is all right, but such a variety as will best stimulate the mind in a well-rounded, liberal education. In particular, a good Christian should peruse such literature as will inform him thoroughly concerning the enemies of Christianity. He should not spurn, but rather study infidelity, skepticism and every other hostile movement, so that he may be able the better to appreciate his own position. The Bible is not so much a book for reading, as a book of reference, and therefore a Christian’s loyalty to Christ must not be measured by his reading and studying the Bible, but by his success in locating the enemies of the cross and studying their designs, looking over their encampments, and estimating the strength of their weapons. If he becomes thus acquainted with the foe, he is in better position to order an advance, or to effect a treaty whereby much strife may be avoided.”

Hall No. 16 was next visited. It offered to its patrons a happy time. Here the work of the artist was in pleasing evidence. On beautiful walls were pictured retreats of all kinds. The games and sports, in endless variety, which make merry the park, field and glen, were the subjects of some of the paintings.

These were the titles of some of the larger wall paintings:

“A restful day under the oak.”

“The campers at the midday meal.”

“An hour of idle reading.” “Around the camp-fire at night.”

“At rest beside the bounding brook.”

“Along the beach at bathing time.”

“The cottage by the sea.”

Nothing was said about the paintings on the wall; they were merely suggestive of the refreshment that came after toil.

The lecturer of this hall was a jolly man, an athlete of fine proportions, whose splendid appearance attracted the attention of the throng of listeners.

“We are not here to discuss the good or evil which comes from various kinds of recreation, but to tell you, from experience, what kind of reading to take with you when you go on a vacation, or a pleasure trip. As you are seeking rest for the body so let your religious books have a rest. Leave them all at home, except the Bible, and prayer book,—you might take them along to be used in case of sickness or accident. Then put in your ‘grip’ some humorous books, such as will make you merry. Besides these place therein some other very light reading, such as will rest the mind from the more serious things of life.

“As a father delighteth to see his children roam and romp in glee over the meadows after the time of faithful toil, so the Heavenly Father delighteth to see _his_ true children lay aside the seriousness of prayer and Bible study, and go forth in joyful rest to the seashore, or to the quiet glen in the fastnesses of the woods. If you follow these directions, you will get the cream of pleasure and profit, and return to your secular or religious work with renewed vigor.”

I saw many ministers, of the gospel in the audience, but not all seconded the words of the speaker. Mr. World and his confiding companion were surprised after entering Hall No. 27 to find on exhibition a copy of all the periodical publications of the world. This was a large hall and had sub-divisions, each devoted to a distinct class of literature. One department contained all non-sectarian religious publications; another the sectarian; still a third was devoted to daily newspapers, partisan and non-partisan; yet another contained all trade journals; another all the scientific periodicals, and thus the plan was continued throughout.

This was the busiest place of all, for some of the periodicals had their offices in this hall, while others had representatives there, so that countless thousands thronged the sub-departments daily. Each sub-department had its own corps of lecturers.

Many editors, before entering into active service, take the entire series of courses offered by this hall, and are thus taught to prevaricate, abbreviate, and exaggerate, or do ought else to attain the end in view.

I saw Mr. World and Miss Church-Member pass by one sub-department after another. They were not pleased with the excitement that prevailed. They had intended however to pause at the department devoted especially to the Sunday newspaper question, and tarried at the door long enough merely to catch these few words from one of the speakers:

“I am a member of the church myself, and bear an honorable name therein; but I am unwilling to be classed with a set of bigots who would rob us of our personal liberties and, if possible, place all kinds of restrictive measures about our inalienable rights. I stand for liberty first of all, and tyranny never. Why should one dictate to me what I shall read on Sunday? I look at my Bible more than one hundred times a year, and read a Sunday newspaper only fifty-two times. It was a happy change that started the regular press of the country to yield seven issues a week, and thereby send forth additional rays of enlightenment to a people who are in sad need of all that they can get to increase their intelligence.

“According to my opinion there are so many practices that are worse than reading a Sunday newspaper that Satan must surely be annoyed to see a man engaged in such a harmless pursuit. Happy, indeed, would we all be if the—-”

The two companions passed on and heard no more, until they left this hall and paid a brief visit to Hall No. 38 devoted to “_The Best Way of Conducting a Religious Newspaper_.”

There were very few editors present, but the debate amongst them was vigorous and, at times, very contentious, much to the interest and enjoyment of the spectators.

The question being discussed was: “_How Can We Best Increase the Circulation of the Church Paper?_”

After a few exchanges of opinions, the chairman of the meeting advocated, with grave dignity, that all religious newspapers should be more conformed to the tastes and the level of a hungry world. “There is too great a contrast,” said he, “between the mental condition of the laymen and the high, cold tone of the average religious paper. Let the editor of a church paper do as did his Master Jesus Christ,—come down to the level of the world, where he can reach the heart and the ear of the common people of whom the masses are composed. No paper should be so holy that it cannot adapt itself to the development of the natural as well as the spiritual part of man.”

These remarks were warmly applauded.

Next an editor of a religious paper arose, and spoke with decision:

“I want to be as liberal and broad-minded as God would have me be. I came to this hall with doubtful steps. I cannot say that I have profited thereby. My mind is at variance with the chairman of this meeting. He says: ‘All religious papers should be more conformed to the tastes of the hungry world.’ Let me ask, with all honesty, what is the taste of the hungry world? Is it not a terribly perverted taste, a hungering for the black sins of death? I contend that it is the work of a good paper to be a beacon light, even though it shines from a lofty light-house. It may thereby shine out farther and wider. Away with the doctrine of devils that would pervert the truth and send with merciless fling——”

At this juncture the speaker was seized by an officer who came running in at the ringing of a bell and arrested the editor on the charge of “disturbing the peace,” which, the chairman declared, was due to a diseased state of his mind.

Miss Church-Member was freightened from the hall by this episode, and was followed by her less fearful companion.

CHAPTER XIV.
THE DEVIL’S TEMPERANCE COLLEGE.

1. Mr. World and his companion visit this immense college, with many wings, all devoted to teaching every phase of the temperance question in accordance with Satan’s views.

2. A view of the millions who attend this college.

Automobiles are used by the agents of Satan to convey students and visitors from one college to another of the great University of the World.

I saw Miss Church-Member and her cherished escort leave the College of Literature in one of these up-to-date carriages.

“Shall we tarry at the athletic field?” asked Mr. World as they came to a famous sporting ground.

“Let us rather hasten to the Temperance College,” she suggested. But her manner indicated that she did not wish to urge him away from the place of his heart’s desire.

“Altogether at your pleasure,” he smiled, as he sank back into the comfortable cushions of the conveyance.

They soon reached the desired locality, saw the moving millions from all portions of the earth, and heard the ceaseless babble of their voices harmonizing with the work of this college which was known among the pilgrims of the King’s Highway as _The Devil’s Temperance College._ It covered many acres of ground, and consisted of many immense buildings, around which clustered many smaller structures serving for auxiliary purposes.

When Mr. World and Miss Church-Member walked about the college grounds, and saw more closely the magnitude and beauty of the edifices, they were so overawed that their tongues offered no comment.

They mingled a while with the merry multitude, and then at one corner of the group entered the gigantic building devoted to the subject of Temperance and the Bible. They hoped thereby to get the consensus of opinion on one of the complex questions of the day.

At the bureau of information the two companions were directed to the Public Hall of Debate, which was reached by the aid of one of the numerous electric elevators. The Great Hall had an auditorium of one hundred feet in height and a seating capacity fully capable of accommodating the visiting multitudes. The acoustics were so perfect that one, at the farther end of the room, could easily hear the speaker on the stage. When Mr. World and his friend had entered the hall they were surprised to learn that many of the auditors were members of the more radical churches along the King’s Highway.

The corps of high titled professors who occupied the stage spoke at intervals, or answered questions which were propounded by persons in the audience.

Over the stage I saw in illuminated letters: TEMPERANCE AND THE BIBLE.

An aged man was speaking when the two comrades took seats near the center of the room.

“We are not here,” explained the venerable man, “to prove that the Bible is either false or true. We leave that question for other schools to decide. It is our province to show what the Bible teaches on this important theme. Temperance is a word so misused and so abused that it becomes people of sound judgment to go to the rock bottom of the question as viewed in the light of Scripture.”

Then, adjusting his green spectacles, the speaker opened the Bible and offered to explain, or to have explained, any part of it that bore on the subject of “Temperance from a Bible Standpoint.”

A breathless silence followed until a moderate-drinking church-member arose with Bible in hand. “Did Christians, during the life of Christ, drink wine?” he asked, in a self-righteous manner.

The speaker called upon Mr. Wine Expert who quickly stepped forward from his chair on the stage.

“There can be no doubt,” he affirmed, “but that they drank wine freely. They knew enough in that day not to discard a good thing.”

Hundreds of people sprang to their feet, but Mr. Venerable ordered that one should speak at a time and that they all should be seated and first listen to the questioner.

“Was that wine the same, in kind, that Noah drank, as related in Gen. 9:21?”

“Identical.”

“And the same that is used to-day in the commercial world?”

“It is the same as the good wine that is used to-day. There are many modern adulterations.”

The questioner took his seat. A man from London then obtained the floor. He also held a Bible as he spoke.

“I am a temperance worker in one of the districts of London, and would like to know whether you conclude by your former assertion concerning the early Christians that the Bible does not speak against wine drinking?”

“Not in a single place. How could it do so consistently?” answered the Devil’s expert.

“Will you please turn to Prov. 20:1. ‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’ How do you harmonize this passage with what you have just asserted?” The man from London sat down.

“Quite an easy task for one who has given honest study to the question,” said Mr. Wine Expert. “Wine is a mocker. Just as wisdom mocks at the calamity of those who reject it in Prov. 1:26. So, wine, personified in a similar manner, mocks at the folly of those who refuse it. (Applause.) Strong drink is raging. Just as in Jonah 1:15, the sea was raging in protest against Jonah because he refused to preach the truth to the people. So in this passage, ‘strong drink is raging,’ because so many church-members and ministers refuse to preach the real truth to the people on the subject of strong drink. (Prolonged applause.) If there were as much said against me falsely, as has been spoken against strong drink, I would not only rage, but would go raging and foaming over this stage in protest. (Tremendous applause and shouting from the people of the world.) I tell you more, my friends, strong drink will keep on raging as long as old Voices and ‘The New Voice’ of cranks and idiots are heard to squeak out their childish nonsense to an enlightened people.” (Furious applause and demonstrations.)

“The last part of the passage is easily to be understood,” continued the speaker. “‘Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’ How could a person be wise who allows himself to be deceived and hoodwinked concerning as good a thing as wine or strong drink?”

“Nobody, we need not fear,” cried out a brewer from one side of the room.

“There is however a host,” continued Mr. Wine Expert, “who are woefully deceived, and who are endeavoring to force their deceptions upon the state.”

“And I am one of them,” shouted a tall man from Kansas, U. S. A., as he violently jumped to his feet, and remained standing.

“I would suggest,” calmly interrupted the venerable leader, “that our special photographer take a snap shot of this man. We are always glad to keep a record of such monstrosities. He looks like a fair specimen of a deceived man. (Laughter.) He is lean and bony, and if any one of you never before saw such a man, take a full view of him now. Suppose you,” he said, as he continued pointing at the Kansas man, “slowly make a full revolution on your feet so that each one can here see all sides of you,—if you have more than one side.” (Great applause amongst the people of the world.)

The man from Kansas stood still till the voice of the insulting outcry died away.

“I can stand abuse; I can stand irony and sarcasm; but I thank God that where I live I need no longer endure the insults of the Rum Devil. (Suppressed applause.) If Mr. Venerable thinks I am the only man present who comes under his classification of ‘deceived persons,’ I will demonstrate to him his folly, for there are many thousands here who have not yet bowed the knee to Baal.”

“Out of order!” “Put him out!” “Away with him!” came from the audience.

“If there is a person here opposed to the Rum Traffic, let him rise,” fearlessly continued the tall man.

Up sprang a W. C. T. U. leader; then another person; then a hundred from Maine; yea, a thousand more until over seven thousand, from all parts of the world, stood on their feet.

“Remain standing, I ask you! Let not one of you act the coward! There are others here today, who came in, as I did, to visit. Stand up! Show your colors! If you remain seated you will be classed with the enemy. The time to honor your cause is at hand. I ask you seventy thousand church-members present to choose this day whom you will serve.”

Mr. Venerable, who was an experienced man in these uprisings, whispered to an excited saloon-keeper: “Let them proceed. A house divided against itself can not stand.”

“I demand order,” shouted a high-license advocate who owned a brewery, but the agitated fellow was soon calmed by these personal words from the venerable chairman: “_Let these people go. They will soon get into factional contention and thereby break the point of their steel more effectually than we could do it._”

“Remain standing, ye noble band of men and women!” shouted the Kansas man with increasing earnestness. “You, who are too cowardly or indifferent to rise from your seats, are throwing your influence this day on the side of the enemy, thereby casting a reflection on the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, and—”

This was more than a certain minister could bear. So, before the Kansas man had finished his last sentence, he sprang excitedly to his feet and shook his fist defiantly: “I want it distinctly understood that I am just as good as the man from Kansas, and just as much of a temperance man, but I don’t believe in this way of showing my colors. I would not be standing now had I not been insulted more by that crank of one idea, standing there, than by Mr. Wine Expert who so contemptibly perverted Scripture.”

Mr. Wine Expert sprang to the edge of the stage to defend his position, but Mr. Venerable was instantly at his side. “_Come, come, don’t spoil that fight; suffer rather than have them combine against you,_” were the quiet words of logic that brought him to his seat without uttering a word.

Then up jumped a few prominent church-members to express their indignation at the adverse criticism of the Kansas man.

“Those are exactly my sentiments, and I here offer my protest against this manner of procedure,” said one as he looked approvingly at the minister.

“And so do I.” “I am most emphatically of the same opinion.” “I stand here, a true temperance man, to express my indignation at that Kansas prodigy,” were some of the expressions which came from temperance men who were not willing to be classed with the seven thousand.

Then upwards of one hundred women rose to their feet and indignantly rebuked the Kansas man for his misjudgment in starting this factional display. This provoked some radical leaders of the W. C. T. U. who chanced to be there as detectives or visitors. They also arose in defense of the Kansas man.

I saw the tumult rising. Disorder was pre-dominant. Hundreds tried to speak at once. Saloon-keepers, brewers, whiskey politicians, and the professors on the stage were smiling in ghoulish glee. They enjoyed it more than a prize fight, and the results were at once more disastrous and more deplorable.

As the conflict waxed hotter some men and women were screaming, and some fainting, and some resorted to blows. Others scrambled to get from the room. The elevators were put in quick service, and I saw Mr. World and Miss Church-Member, with thousands of others, running from the scene of the fight.

“Let us go to another building,” suggested Miss Church-Member.

A very short time after this I saw them enter the largest building of all the Temperance College. It stood centrally amongst the great group, and was devoted to “_Hygiene and Temperance._”

A Scene in the Devils Temperance College The fight between the temperence factions was greatly enjoyed by the saloon- keepers, brewers, and whisky politicians.

After learning that they came as visitors, a director advised them to pass the many medical wings on separate flats and go to the great auditorium on one of the higher floors. Proceeding, in obedience to the advice given, they soon beheld a room of greater size and magnificence than the one which they had just left, and as they were taking seats they fixed their attention on the lecturer who had already been speaking for an hour. He was discoursing on the relation of strong drink to the stomach.

“It must be remembered,” affirmed he, “that the stomach was made to serve man. The appetite is the true criterion by which he may know what his body needs. If he feels a thirst for alcoholic drink, it is akin to a hunger for any special class of foods. He is not to ask his servant, the stomach, whether it is willing to do the work of transformation. He is to give it the work to do. The stomach will do it, unless that particular digestive function is lost. It is claimed by some who know more about ditch-digging than about physiology, that alcoholic beverages ruin the lining of the stomach, creating ulcers, and other disorders. This kind of teaching reminds me of a conundrum. ‘Why is a scientific temperance man like a dead man in his coffin?’ Who can answer it?”

“Because each one ought to be buried,” guessed a liquor-merchant from Paris. (Laughter.)

“A good guess,” said the speaker, but you have not yet hit the mark.”

“Because needer von dem is vert any ding,” said the proprietor of a beer-saloon from Germany. (Increased laughter.)

“You are still away from my idea,” spoke the lecturer.

“I know it,” said a rum-lawyer. “It is because they both lie.” (Applause.)

“That’s exactly the truth of the matter. These so-called ‘scientific temperance men’ are accountable for more lies imposed on a credulous public than can be corrected for many years to come. Any sensible man knows that moderate drinking is healthful to the stomach. If a man drinks too much, he is liable to trouble, just like a man who eats too much, or sleeps too much, or even talks too much about temperance. (Applause and laughter.) I tell you, my good friends, a little of that elixir of life is just as good for my stomach as it was for Timothy’s, and the good man Paul would say the same thing if he were here to-day. (Cries from the world of “that’s so!” and “hurrah for Paul!”) I am satisfied to have a great man like Paul on my side, even if I must know that some of his pigmy disciples are against me.” (Increased applause.)

This speech was especially enjoyed by Mr. World who himself was addicted to a moderate use of alcoholic beverages. An announcement came from the platform that in an hour the eminent Dr. Strauss of Europe would discourse on “The Effect of Malt Liquors on the Heart,” and those who wished to remain might spend the interim in social intercourse.

In consequence of this announcement the major part of the audience dispersed in varying groups, and discussed the merits of the lecture just ended.

Every creed was there represented by a few or more of its members, many of whom were favorably and deeply impressed by the argument of the Devil as it was given in the address.

Others I saw, not a few, who laid bare this iniquitous scheme of presenting the untruth, and declared that they would no more give ear to any teaching that came from that source.

This gave rise to endless quibblings and contentions between church-members of the same faith and those of separate creeds. These disputes continued with increasing bitterness until the hour had passed.

All eyes were fixed upon the stage as the portly Dr. Strauss arose to speak. His voice at first was slow and deep, and in all he was the personification of dignity. The first part of his lecture was a very convincing argument in favor of what is called the “_Normal Use of Malt Liquors_.” He declared that moderate drinking could have no evil effect on the action of the heart, except in rare cases. To prove his general statement and to win the confidence of his hearers, he quoted over forty printed and written extracts from eminent physicians of the world.

After this general survey of his argument, he entered into details and illustrated the second division of his lecture by the use of pictorial charts. In this manner the construction and action of the heart were concretely shown.

In the third division of the lecture the Prince of Darkness showed his skill in manipulating the utterances of the speaker. By a second series of illustrated charts the lecturer intended to show how alcoholic beverages, in coursing through the human system, benefited the heart rather than injured it. In trying to establish this point he used the subtlest sophistry of Satan.

Through the three divisions of the discourse I heard vigorous applause, and when, in the smooth language of his final climax, he uttered the last word and was returning to his seat, there was a deafening roar from all parts of the vast hall. To the mind of Miss Church-Member the argument of Dr. Strauss was unanswerable, and consequently she was obliged to revise her radical opinions on the temperance question; and not only she, but a host of others from the ranks of the Christian church were influenced similarly.

After leaving this hall the happy pair spent a long time in passing through some of the other buildings of the group. _Miss Church-Member was so filled with the doctrines of the Devil that she thought of going as a missionary to the pilgrims of the Narrow Way._

During their visit at the Temperance College Mr. World conducted his ever-faithful friend through some of the fashionable temperance-saloons connected with the institution.

Miss Church-Member would not have entered and much less indulged in the questionable beverages, had she not been so strongly influenced by the prolonged visit at the section of the group devoted to the study of “_Temperate and Intemperate Drinks._”

I was sorely vexed at the operations of this whole college and, looking at Blackana, I said impatiently:

“How can your comrades find delight in such an impish work—covering truth and scattering hellish sophistry abroad?”

“Delight?” repeated Blackana. “This world is but the Devil’s Heaven, and those in his kingdom find chiefest delight in thorns, and not in flowers; in spinning sophistry, and not in dead things like truth and logic.”

CHAPTER XV.
INFERNAL SCHOOL SYSTEM.

1. A general view of the vast University of the World with all its subordinate operations. All working in harmony to destroy the good that God would do in the world.

The University of the World is so extensive that one could not visit all its parts during the course of a life-time, but there is a place called the Magic Observatory whence an observer can have a bird’s-eye view of all the principal scholastic operations of the Broad Highway.

The Observatory is owned and controlled by careful agents of Satan who will allow only certain persons to get the benefit of so extensive a view.

Mr. World and Miss Church-Member left the ground of the Temperance College and proceeded to get permission to rise to the glorious heights of the Observatory. Mr. World secured permission, but his companion, not having had sufficient experience in the service of Satan, was refused a pass. The difficulty was settled by a happy thought. Miss Church-Member suggested that while he should improve the opportunity and rise to see the sights, she would visit the College of Fashions, for which privilege she had been yearning.

I saw that Mr. World spent a long time in viewing the endless proportions of the noted Observatory, and finally stood on the lofty viewpoint with an interpreter at his side.

He was then directed to a seat on a mechanical device that moved in a circle; and as he sat there he looked through the powerful glasses of the immense telescope.

He first beheld the Schools of the Fine Arts, with their myriad students who swarmed through a group of buildings so large that it covered the first sweep of the telescope.

At the next turn of the magic device Mr. World saw the Special Schools of Mathematics whose prevalent tendency was to destroy faith. Here the mind of each student was taught to submit everything to the tests of proof, so that by the time one’s training was finished he would believe only what could be scientifically demonstrated. In this way Satan induced many a student to disregard the Bible because he could not reduce all its teachings to the cold and rigid rules of human reasoning.

Thus does Satan manipulate affairs so that many of the Christian schools of the earth have imbibed a similar course:—first exalting Reason, and doing nothing to correspondingly develop in the student the functions of Faith.

When the telescope again turned Mr. World saw the Schools of Metaphysics where Satan operated in harmony with the limitless scheme of the whole University.

Next the College of Theology came within the range of vision. Here the clergymen of the Broad Highway are prepared to teach the doctrines of Hell under the guise of “Broad-Minded Theology.” I envied not Mr. World’s position, for I could also see what his wondering eyes beheld. As I took a transient view of this vast group of Theological Halls, and saw how many human beings resorted hither for information, I could the better understand why the world is kept so full of perverted truth. There is a daily inflow of ecclesiastics into this College, even such as become dissatisfied with the Theology as taught on the Highway of the King.

At the next turn of the telescope Mr. World saw the extensive Business College whither so large a number of merchants go to learn how to advertise, and also how to get rich quickly. One hall alone is set apart for the purpose of teaching a merchant how to practice fraud without injuring his good standing in the church; another hall teaches how far a business man may venture into prevarication without lying; while a still larger hall is devoted to the wholesale trade, and is intended to teach the best methods of adulterating foods while yet allowing them to be sold for genuine goods.

Mr. World was deeply interested in the view afforded by the next turn of the telescope, for the magnificent groups of buildings comprising the College of Fashions now lay before his admiring vision. He knew that his beloved friend was somewhere amongst the moving throngs that ever kept the College astir.

I looked in wonderment upon the far-reaching operations of this Satanic center. The teachings of this College were so far-reaching that the seeds of endless follies were planted in the generations yet unborn.

In one of the larger halls of this imposing group I saw an endless and popular variety of the gods of Fashion. They were worshiped by the slavish legions who were willing to sacrifice their all rather than forsake their chosen idols.

Mr. World plainly saw the connection between this College of Fashions and the Devil’s Pawn Shop. The next item in the weird program was the Devil’s Optical College which Mr. World and Miss Church-Member had visited in the earlier days of their companionship. Satan’s Medical Schools also lay in the same line of vision, and were intimately connected with the Devil’s Hospital which had numberless branches in all parts of the world.

And next the vast College of Literature flashed before the admiring eyes of Mr. World. As seen through the telescope this section presented a most beautiful picture.

The surface Schools of Law next attracted the attention of the spectator who was surprised to get so large a view of these operations.

Mr. World still moved in the magic circle, and saw the whole program as revealed at the angle at which the telescope was inclined. When the first circle was completed, the telescope dropped to a new angle and started on its second revolution, disclosing to the observer a new world of schools, all of which were also comprehended in the University of the World.

The Missionary College proved to be an interesting sight, as did also the Devil’s Temperance College.

One of the most surprising sights that greeted Mr. World in this second revolution was Satan’s Modern College of Narcotics which is a series of schools built and operated with great care, intended to counteract the special efforts ever being put forth by the devotees of the King’s Highway to teach the relations of narcotics to the nervous system. Formerly Satan did this branch of work in one of the wings of the Temperance College, but on account of the great stress put on this subject by the Surpassing Schools of the Christ, Satan has built this modern institution, and now the church is in confusion because _so many of its members have such an indistinct vision that they cannot discern between the wool of the sheep and the hair of the wolf, even when each animal is wearing its own hide._

The most mysterious schools revealed by this second revolution were called the Schools of Emergency. These required the skill of the interpreters to give Mr. World an idea of their work.

This is also a modern idea of the Evil One, and since their erection the schools have been patronized by an astonishingly large number of disappointed church-members who receive instruction more readily from the modern methods here in vogue than from the old-time system.

Then did Mr. World behold a new line of schools in course of erection, but the interpreter refused to give him satisfaction when he asked the purpose of these new schools.

When the great telescope had finished the second revolution, Mr. World was surprised to see that it commenced on the third round as the outer end of the telescope pointed more directly toward the base of the Observatory.

Startling scenes were now laid bare. The underground schools of this Great University seemed to be greater than the surface operations.

Mr. World first saw the Opium Schools, built in the form of large dens. After this came the Schools of Iniquity, operated in darkness. Here all forms of evil are taught and made to appear justifiable under certain conditions. Many of these underground schools could not be clearly seen by Mr. World, but ere the telescope completed its third revolution he saw the Schools of Suicide more distinctly than during his visit, and got a glimpse of the limitless Law Departments Underground, and the terrible pictures of sadness and sin as seen beneath the Devil’s Hospital.

Mr. World raised his eyes from the telescope and looked towards the interpreter. “What lies beyond those vast elevations?” he asked as he pointed to a rugged mountain range farther down the Broad Highway.

“Back of those mountains lies the beautiful Wizard City, shut in from all the world. Ask nothing more about it.”

“But may I not enter it?”

“Not unless you are fortunate enough to discover one of the paths that lead to the Summit. From thence one can see the City.”

CHAPTER XVI.
EXPERT INVENTORS OF THE BROAD HIGHWAY.

1. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member fail to see the Ways and Means Committee at work.

2. They are directed to the city where expert inventors are constantly employed in devising weapons and all kinds of devices.

3. They see a few inventions which are just being perfected to facilitate the services of the churches along the King’s Highway.

After Mr. World’s remarkable experiences on the Observatory, he gladly called for his friend, Miss Church-Member, who accompanied him on another branch of the Mountain Trolley.

They alighted at a station called Progress, and proceeded on the Broad Highway. Neither of them became wearied in listening to the experiences of the other during their brief separation.

Ere long they came to a large hall which was used by the Ways and Means Committee of the Broad Highway.

They obtained permission to visit the interior of the hall, hoping thereby to see the famous committee in session. But, after being escorted from room to room by a guide, they were informed, upon reaching the main auditorium, that the committee was holding a secret session, and that no visitors would be allowed to enter during that day.

“How soon will visitors be admitted?’ asked Mr. World, with a shade of disappointment in his tone.

“Not until the matter now under consideration is settled. It may be two hours, perhaps two days,” was the indefinite reply.

“And where can we spend the interim with most profit and interest?” further interrogated Mr. World.

The guide, looking through a window, described a path leading to a lofty summit. “When you reach that elevation,” explained he, “you will see, in the busy vale beyond, the Wizard City.

“Most of the experiments performed in that wondrous vale are closed forever from the view of mortal man; but so much of the work as you are allowed to see will interest you for many days.”

“In my opinion such a privilege is greater than the one we are here denied,” smilingly spoke Miss Church-Member.

“True indeed, my friend, unless the climbing of the hill should prove to be a more arduous task than you imagine,” cautioned Mr. World.

“Each of you will be pleasantly surprised,” promptly affirmed the guide, “for they only can climb to that summit who do so willingly, and by them it is easily accomplished.”

“Is there no shorter way thither than by that winding path?” slowly asked Mr. World.

“There is but one shorter route, and that is underground. No one is permitted to go that way until he has passed the summit and has reached the seventh degree in the secret service of our Master.”

“Ah! so there is an underground connection between this place and the Expert Inventors?” said Miss Church-Member in a low tone, and with a look of suspicion.

“Be not in the least alarmed. The Ways and Means Committee and the Expert Inventors work in harmony, each supplementing the work of the other. It is therefore essential that between them there be as close connection as possible, not only for convenience of travel, but for insuring secrecy.”

“Then why are the two places so far apart?” queried Miss Church-Member.

“Everything is perfectly arranged. If you could see the underground world between the two sites you would readily observe the logical relation of all parts. But the bell rings; I must go,” continued the guide. “If you wish further information you may obtain it at the office,” and with a courteous bow he withdrew.

That same day I saw the two travelers climb with ease to the summit from whence they beheld the most curious sight that had yet met their gaze since their fellowship had begun.

Down in the long and deep sloping vale before them, shut in from all the world, lay a large city of fantastic structures.

The weird outlines of this marvelous city extended downward into the darkness of the earth, while the height of its buildings varied from the common even unto the amazing.

The form of the city, and the shape of its buildings, were the most bizarre features of all. Only a few of the edifices bore resemblance to any which the travelers had ever before seen.

Toward one end of the city they saw a cluster of buildings which, taken as a whole, resembled a gigantic tree towering to a great height and covered with strange foliage.

In the “Wizard City” Satan devises novelties, such as “Angelette” for choir singing the “Service Regulator” for taking the Holy Spirit’s place in worship, etc.

At the other end of the city the structures were divided into more than a hundred groups, resembling somewhat variously-shaped balloons of monstrous size.

The sides of the city were constructed somewhat after the manner of immense Ferris wheels, of amazing diameter. The compartments therein actually moved up or down according to the range of vision desired by the Inventors in their experimenting.

The central part of the city was the most notable of all. Here, with an average diameter of ten hundred feet, rose a circular structure tapering irregularly until it settled to a point six thousand feet in the air. Around this, as a center, ranged terraces, hanging gardens, aerial boulevards, and spiral electric railways.

After viewing this wonderful valley for many hours, the companions took one of the perfected automobiles and covered the long gradual descent to a depth of ten thousand feet perpendicular.

As they neared the base, I looked at Blackana, and asked: “How long have those Schools of Invention been in operation?”

“Since the creation of man.”

“What is the real purpose of their existence?”

“To invent devices and weapons helpful to our cause in peace or war, and more particularly to concoct new schemes for the use of the churches along the King’s Highway and the Way of the World.”

“Oh! that the earth might see all this foul inwardness, and discern aright the bland deception with which those subtle plots are executed!”

A Satanic smile covered the features of Blackana as he assured me that the earth does know of these things, and has known of them for ages, but is too well pleased with them to offer serious opposition.

In disgust I turned from Blackana and saw that Mr. World and Miss Church-Member had reached the suburbs of the Wizard City where they read this unexpected notice over a large brazen gate:

NONE ADMITTED EXCEPT THEY TO WHOM THE PORTER OPENETH.

“Ah! all our toil may be in vain,” sighed Miss Church-Member.

They stood for a brief time in a quandary, discussing how one may know whether or not the Porter will open the gate. Finally the stalwart Porter approached them and spoke: “With what motive and for what purpose would ye enter?”

Mr. World, with native tact, was ready with an answer: “I am in full sympathy with the work done in this city and have with me my friend who is still a member of a church standing along the King’s Highway.”

The Porter advanced with graceful bearing and bowed to Miss Church-Member. “Perchance,” said he, “you have come to receive some new ideas for the benefit of the church?”

“You have surmised it,” she blushingly replied. “The church to which I belong is sadly behind the age in its methods of work. I am hoping that the inventive genius of this city can give me some features new and attractive, that I may, in my missionary work, help to introduce them into antiquated churches.”

“Yours is a worthy mission,” politely said the Porter, “and I herewith hand you a card which will admit both of you into the department of the city, number seven hundred and seventy-seven.”

Instantly the gate flew wide open, and the happy couple passed through joyfully. They walked by the many fairy-like buildings, closing their eyes to all the special scenes so that they might give their first attention to the department indicated by the Porter.

With little difficulty they found the place desired, and handed the card to a curator who conducted them to the general manager.

“I infer, by this card,” said the manager, “that you are hoping to find some new schemes to facilitate the work and service of the church.”

“That is our aim,” answered Miss Church-Member.

“I am glad that you are so ambitious to keep apace with the times. In this marvelous age of mechanism all things are done by devices and machinery, and the church that would keep step with the spirit of progress must also be run by mechanism. The services of such a congregation should be controlled by a rigid methodical law, so that everything will move like clock-work. The church of to-day, in its movement towards form and ceremony, is approaching the highest laws of universal harmony. This hopeful tendency is most helpful to the soul of man and most pleasing to God.”

“Just my idea exactly,” chimed in Mr. World. “The churches along the King’s Highway are stubbornly fighting these modern improvements. They are very slow in catching up with the spirit of the age. Does that not seem true, Miss Church-Member?”

“I must confess I see it more clearly now than ever. Nature is run by unerring, unchangeable law; why should not all spiritual operations come under the same principle? Formality, after all, is the highest point to be reached.”

“Your mind easily grasps the truth, I perceive,” responded the manager. “What can bring things into better form than to get as much machinery as possible into church worship? In this building a thousand experts are constantly employed in devising and perfecting mechanical arrangements to facilitate the services of the church. Perhaps you would be pleased to see some of the results of our work by passing through some of the sub-departments?”

“For my part,” replied Miss Church-Member, “I am more than passingly interested in these things, and if Mr. World does not object to accompany us, I will be grateful to improve this opportunity to look upon your work.”

After completing preliminary arrangements I saw the manager conduct his two visitors on the easy running elevator to the floor which was devoted especially to singing.

“As it is your wish,” said the manager “to see the latest, we will not tarry at these lesser rooms, but proceed immediately to the corner of the chief experts where I will be pleased to show to you the best novelty on the floor.” They walked down the long room, passing on each side of the aisle one set of busy workers after another. They stopped at one of the far corners and beheld, in advance, the latest novelty to be used for singing in church service.

It was an artificial woman, neatly attired and filled with a complicated mechanism so constructed that when certain electric keys were touched by the unseen operator, articulate sounds like unto a human voice issued forth, while the expression of the whole face, and the natural-like heaving of the breast, all moved in harmony with the artificial sounds. The invention so much resembled a living creature of beauty that Miss Church-Member at first thought it was really human.

Mr. World was so well pleased with the novelty that he unconsciously seated himself upon a couch and looked on in amazement. The beauty of the female form attracted his attention as much as the voice that pealed forth bewitchingly from the lips.

“The greatest thing in the world!” he said after a period of ecstatic silence. “The church that gets such a singer into its choir will have a packed house at every service.”

“I never so much as dreamed of such a thing before. Have any of the churches yet tried the experiment?” wonderingly asked Miss Church-Member.

“The time has not yet come,” replied the manager. “Our experts have been perfecting this fine piece of mechanism for many years, but it is not yet quite satisfactory. We shall continue until it is well-nigh perfect. In the meantime we are trying to prepare the way so that the people will gladly receive such an addition to their church machinery. It is our intention to be able to supply _angelettes_, (for that is the name by which this invention will be known) of any size, and with apparel suitable for any special or ordinary occasion of church worship. The angelette is to be so perfected that it will render vocal music without a break. That will be a happy day when people can worship God without aging themselves hoarse or without being annoyed by the discords so prevalent in congregational and choir singing and, moreover, have none of the evil effects that come from choir quarrels.”

“I can plainly see,” commented Miss Church-Member as they moved toward another floor, “that the church is only in the morning twilight of its progress. The wonders of today will pale into insignificance at the coming of the greater things.” They dropped to a lower floor and stepped from the elevator.

“This floor is devoted to the ‘_Order of Church Service_’” explained the manager. “It is indeed surprising to see what a variety of devices are here suggested to get the churches to pin themselves down to a fixed law of service in such a way that all else must bend to it or appear ridiculous. Some churches, claiming to be led by the Spirit, are constantly out of order. One cannot even imagine what is coming next. That is a foolish, haphazard way of conducting a religious service. We are doing all we can to correct these errors. I will take you at once to the expert’s room and let you see the latest piece of mechanism which we hope very soon to offer for public use.”

Far out in one end of the building I saw the three enter a room where men were busily engaged at work.

“Will you kindly show these two visitors the workings of your new invention called the ‘Service Regulator,’” requested the manager as he looked at the chief inventor.

A large curtain was raised and there it hung. No larger than a family clock. The inventor opened a door of the Regulator, and carefully explained its works. He called their attention especially to a roll of blackboard canvas that passed from an upper to a lower cylinder when the Regulator was running.