s in holiness and sanctification; for
the salvation theme held their interest most profoundly, and they
became well acquainted with the proof-texts which supported these
doctrines. The study of these texts brought great conviction to their
hearts, and both of them sought the Lord for forgiveness of their
sins, and both entered into the grace of conversion. The joy of this
experience made their Bible study still more delightful. They had not
been strangers to grace, but they had become slack and lukewarm, and
when the light of God began to shine more brightly they felt that they
should make sure work of it, and so they began at the bottom round of
the ladder. They were glad afterwards that they had done this, because
it gave them a sure starting-point.

Along in the fall of the year, as Robert was breaking ground for
wheat, he got an invitation to attend a neighborhood prayer meeting.

"Good evening, neighbor," said a voice, "don't you want to go to our
prayer meeting next Wednesday night?"

Robert looked up from his work and saw it was old Peter Newby.

"Why, yes, I guess so. Sure," said Robert. "What kind of a prayer
meeting is it?"

"We have a good one," said Peter, "come and see."

"All right, we'll come," said Robert.

This prayer meeting was held at Fairmount school house, a fine school
building situated on the brow of a lilac-covered hill at the bottom of
which hill one of the finest and largest springs in the country gushed
forth. It was, as stated, ostensibly a neighborhood prayer meeting,
but Peter Newby just about dominated it, and was carrying it on just
about to suit himself. The method pursued was to read a chapter, and
follow with a free-for-all exposition of it. Everybody had a chance
to speak and expound the texts, whether he knew anything about them or
not. Some queer theories were advanced in these discussions, which we
have neither time nor inclination to speak of now.

Robert Davis and Mary began to attend this prayer exposition meeting
as soon as they could. The Book of Romans was being read and studied
at this time, and chapter 5 was up for discussion. After the reading
of the chapter, Peter Newby, as usual, was on his feet ready to tell
the class all about it. He noticed Robert and Mary and, knowing that
they were strangers, he put on his most condescending and insinuating
air. Raising himself to his full height, and giving his grizzled head
just the right angle for incisive speech, he sa