Books: Mr. World and Miss Church Member
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W. S. Harris >> Mr. World and Miss Church Member
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"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.
[Illustration: 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?"
[Illustration: 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 them
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.
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