he language is simple. What
would you think it meant?"

"That is a point I am studying. If a man came to it without prejudice
or self-interest, it would seem very simple, I imagine. But I am not
sure that it should be pressed to absolute literalness. But, granted
that it means _something_, was it of limited application, or would
Christ say the same thing to His followers to-day?"

"Well," said Mr. Gray, whose theological studies had been greatly
stimulated in recent months, and who had fallen into the hands of a
variety of teachers, "you know some people draw pretty fine
distinctions now-a-days. They may tell us that that does not belong to
the church. I shouldn't wonder a bit if some of them would slip this
over our heads and let it fall on some other people. But I should say,
if you ask me, that such a principle, if it applied to anybody, might
certainly to us; that if heavenly-mindeduess could be enjoined upon any
it might certainly upon those who are raised and seated with Christ in
heavenly places.'"

"I think you are right, father. But now, just what is the
principle--what is the true spirit of the text? In short, what are we
_to do_ about it?"

Mr. Gray looked at his son curiously before replying. Was it for the
sake of _doing the word_ that he pondered its meaning? To expound a
text and to act upon it were two separate things. The former was
sometimes the pleasanter task. But he answered honestly:

"I suppose the true way to understand a Scripture is to read it in its
relation to other Scripture--in the light of every other Scripture. I
confess I have not so studied it. And," he added cautiously, "one must
be very sure of the meaning of a word before he acts upon it."

"Certainly," said Hubert. Then he added privately that they had not
waited to understand the text before proceeding to pile up treasure
upon earth in abundance. "I intend to look up the subject," he said
aloud, "and see what the Bible really does teach about it; that is,
what the New Testament says. I suppose if we searched the Old
Testament we should find earthly prosperity guaranteed the Lord's
people on the ground of obedience. But we are under the new covenant,
with heavenly riches assured."

"Just so--just so," murmured Mr. Gray.

The next morning the subject was renewed.

"I have found, father," said Hubert, "that the apostolic church did
precisely what Jesus had told His flock to do. They sold what they
had.