k out when they do so
from conviction; but, my young friend, why do you consider that I--well,
exaggerate?"

"Because the Bible says so," replied Thomas unabashed. "The Bible tells
us that the world was made in six days, not in millions of years, and
that the sun and the moon and the stars were put in the sky to light it;
also that man was created four thousand years B.C. Therefore, either you
are wrong, sir, or the Bible is, and _I_ prefer the Bible."

The eminent scientist took off his spectacles and carefully put them
away, remarking:

"Most logical and conclusive. Pray, young gentleman, do not allow
any humble deductions of my own or others to interfere with your
convictions. Only I believe it was Archbishop Ussher, not the Bible, who
said that the world began about 4,000 B.C. I think that one day you may
become a great man--in your own way. Meanwhile I might suggest that a
certain sugaring of manners sweetens controversy."

After this no more questions were asked, and the meeting broke up in
confusion.

From all of which it will be gathered that since none of us is perfect,
even in Thomas there were weak points. For instance, he had what is
known as a "temper," also he was blessed with a good idea of himself and
his own abilities, and had a share of that intolerance by which this is
so often accompanied.

In due course Thomas Bull became a theological student. Rarely was there
such a student. He turned neither to left nor right, worked eight hours
a day when he did not work ten, and took the highest possible degrees on
every subject. Then he was ordained. About this time he chanced to hear
a series of sermons by a Colonial bishop that directed his mind towards
the mission-field. This was after he had served as a deacon in an East
End parish and become acquainted with savagery in its western form.

He consulted with his friends and his superiors as to whether his true
call were not to the far parts of the earth. Unanimously they answered
that they thought so; so unanimously that a mild fellow-labourer whom
he bullied was stung to the uncharitable remark that almost it looked as
though they wanted to be rid of him. Perhaps they did; perhaps they held
that for energy so gigantic there was no fitting outlet in this narrow
land.

But as it chanced there was another to be consulted, for by this time
the Rev. Thomas Bull had become engaged to the only daughter of a
deceased London trader--in fact, he had bee