Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century Allegory
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Title: Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century Allegory
Author: W. S. Harris
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MR. WORLD AND MISS CHURCH-MEMBER: A TWENTIETH CENTURY ALLEGORY ***
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.”
[Illustration: 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.”
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: “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.”
[Illustration: 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.
[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 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.”
[Illustration: 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.”
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: 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_.”
[Illustration: 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._”
[Illustration: 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
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