It was an effect of the coming of the Holy Spirit. I suppose the
heavens were so opened through that illumination that earthly
possessions shriveled into nothingness by comparison. What precept
alone could never have power to do the entrance of the Spirit did. It
turned out the love of the world and 'the things that are in the
world.'"

An enthusiastic light glowed in Hubert's face as he spoke. His father
eyed him curiously as on the day before.

"Just so--just so," he replied, absently.

Presently, however, he rallied to the discussion. "But, Hubert," he
said, "do you remember what they did with the proceeds of their sales?"

"Yes," said Hubert, "they laid them at the feet of the Apostles, and
distribution was made to the needs of all the company."

"That was not an indiscriminate alms-giving," said Mr. Gray.

"No," replied Hubert. "But the parting with their possessions of those
who had property supplied the need of those who had none. That could
be called alms-giving, I should think."

"That seemed to be confined to the church," said Mr. Gray meditatively.

"Yes," said Hubert, "and when a beggar solicited alms of Peter and
John, they had nothing to give him! No--I beg pardon--they had much to
give him, through the 'riches in glory.' They gave him ability to make
his own living, which was far better than an alms. But is there not
some other Scripture that will tell us the relative positions of the
church and the world to us in our giving?"

"I think so," said Mr. Gray. "How is this? 'As we have opportunity
let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.'"

"That is to the point," said Hubert.

"But to return to the Pentecostal precedent," said Mr. Gray; "if we
were to sell out, at whose feet would you propose laying the proceeds?"
He looked slyly at Hubert. "At Doctor Schoolman's?"

"Never," said Hubert, and then he laughed. "I beg the gentleman's
pardon for my emphasis," he said, "but it never would occur to me to
turn over my money to him."

Mr. Gray smiled. He felt that he had scored a good point against any
rash procedure in the matter of possessions.

"At whose feet, then," he persisted, "would you think to lay it down?"

"There's the rub," said Hubert grimly.

"Ah, just so," said his father.

There was silence for a few moments and then Mr. Gray began again:

"Those early conditions at Jerusalem have never been reproduced since
they were