Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century Allegory

pon her attire and, not being satisfied with her p

n of Mr. Deacon and

scrutiny of her attire. By the aid of her glasses she realized ver

odestly asked Mr. World. "Do you think my

ion to do so. Sincerely, your whole attire is somewhat antiquated. It is just as faulty

ngly asked, offering no comment upon Mr.

hop. "Her beautiful pilgrim robe was drawn t

e an exchange store, duly authorized to do business along

ed. The two alighted and stepped into the place kno

ther Highway, and had been in operation for thou

ance for a taste of forbidden fruit, and Esau exchang

silver; and Ananias and Sapphira pawned their natural and spiritual lives for a l

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 i

ithless pilgrim. In the footwear department I saw many a "preparation of the gospel of peace" which had been pawned for shoes of worldliness,

pilgrims' robes which had been g

her own robe as she saw how many already had effe

Church-Member and the significant look of Mr. World, approached

f style in my present condition. Can I not be d

" answered the attendant with a graceful bow and a

sing to the Prince of Darkness. Her beautiful pilgrim's r

ch-Member, who had just taken one more step in her downward course, a

eeves of self-righteousness, her ruby bracelets and necklace of vanity, her f

she had clung to it so long that it had become a precious souvenir with which she decla

han ever. The two happy companions, free from their former embarrassment, now enjoyed the scenes of life along the

rved in the same church to which she belonged. The carriage overtook them in a rather i

t this unexpected time and place? How came it about that yo

d stood speechless as if in doubt what to say

ere is Miss Church-Member who

lly improved however," adde

this dress and be in su

?" asked

membership," were her glib words of explanation, though, somehow, they were unsatisfying

said Mr. Deacon to Mr. Elder

n elevating influence has been thrown about yo

ver undertook my case, for I am now nea

congratulation, and then praised Miss Church-Member for her time

t I may join your church?" inquired Mr. W

d suspicion, and your fulfillment of the duties of citizenship has always been praiseworth

specially for the narrow views entertained by your minister. If you had another pastor, one of more liberal cast

e losing heavily by reason of such narrowness. I thought differently at one

o church officials listened eagerly. "Why should the church compel a ma

er, unable to push thr

elled to take the "Sho

ven

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 them shalt go through with ease and rej

D BROADER WA

ound this still Broader Way into which it led. If only all church-members would kno

rding 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 f

er in surprise. "Without doubt that is broa

at we must hear repeatedly from the troubles

his favored place?" inquired Miss Church-Member, a

iberal-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,'

red Miss Church-Member. The othe

ulty; 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 ag

rtal dread and doubt, and thought I would rather die than suffer thus. Suddenly, as if blind to it

WITHOUT

ight, 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 hopeles

se bigots expect to stand when such Scripture condemns them? It will be a joyful time for all of us when these s

hen his last sentence was ended, they bade a hearty farewell to the two acquaintances and smoothly glided