"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
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