the Christians.

"10. And, therefore, the apostolic church of true believers--the
spiritual body of Christ; and the church-members--the collective body
of worshippers, were identical. When you saw one, you saw the other."

"That is as far as we have gone, Mary. But we are not through the New
Testament yet. I was just counting, and there are about one hundred
texts in which the word 'church' occurs. But, it seems to me we have
learned a great deal. I can see plainly enough that there was only
one church in the early era of Christianity. All the ministers were
welcome in every congregation. They all went by one name. There was
probably only one congregation in any one city. I do not know whether
they had a class-book or not, but they were united in Christ. Well,
fold that sheet up, Mary; that contains the summary of our work this
afternoon. We may derive some value from it later on."

"But, I am really puzzled," continued Robert. "Something certainly has
happened to the church since the apostles' day. It is all divided now.
I believe some said that there are hundreds of denominations in the
world now. But I am determined on this--that I will not join any
church until this mystery as to its history has been cleared up, and
I can see definitely the will of God in the matter. It is possible,
Mary, that this church of God, which this paper stands for, may be
what we are looking for. It has a Bible name, which is one thing
In its favor. But we shall wait. I take my stand, here and now, God
helping me, for Christ's pure church. I will look until my dying
day to find it on earth, and will pray Almighty God to establish a
congregation of this church here in order that it may show forth what
God can do for men."

So powerfully was Robert moved that he proposed that they pray. In
prayer, Robert renewed his covenant to walk in all of God's light.

"Dear heavenly Father," he said, "we have been studying thy Word in
an effort to find out which church we should join. Lead us, guide us
aright in this matter, we pray. Our souls crave spiritual communion
with thy saints. Show us Thy people. Plant such a church as we have
found in the Scriptures and which we know existed in Bible times;
plant a congregation of Thy church in our midst, O Father. Do not
forsake us, but lead us. Amen."

CHAPTER EIGHT

ROBERT DAVIS' BATTLES

A month passed away rapidly. Robert and Mary Davis were making
arrangements to occupy the property bou