ondition of
religious servitude, and all were invited to be doers as well as
hearers. So at the next session appeared ex-Judge Cottaway, who had
written a book and was a vestryman of St. Amos Parish; Broker Whilcher,
who worshiped with the Unitarians, but found them rather narrow, and
Broker Whilcher's bookkeeper, who read Herbert Spencer, and could not
tell what he himself believed, even if to escape the penalty of death.
Various motives brought men from other churches, including even one from
Father McGarry's flock, and all of them were assured that they might say
whatever they chose, provided only that they believed it.

"Shall we continue our consideration of last Sunday's lesson?" asked
Deacon Bates, after the opening prayer had been offered. "We have some
new members, and should therefore have some additional views to
consider."

"Let's hear everybody," said Captain Maile. "If we talk as long about
this verse as we'll _have_ to talk before we reach any agreement, we'll
all die before we can reach the square up-and-down verses that are
further along in this same sermon."

"If the class has no objection to offer, we will continue our study of
the third verse of the fifth chapter of Matthew, and those who spoke on
last Sunday will allow the newer members and others an opportunity to
make their views known." As Deacon Bates spoke, his eye rested warningly
on Mr. Jodderel.

"I think," said Mr. Jodderel, "that the new members ought to know what
ideas have already been presented, so as to throw any new light upon
them, if they can. The nature of the kingdom of heaven, now, is the most
important question suggested by the lesson, and--"

"It won't be of the slightest, consequence to any one," interrupted
Principal Alleman, "unless they first comply with the condition which
the verse imposes upon those who want to reach the kingdom."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," remarked President Lottson; "Jesus
said that the poor in spirit should have the kingdom of heaven; He
didn't say that no one else should share it with them. What is written
doesn't always, express all that is meant."

"It doesn't in insurance policies, anyhow," said Squire Woodhouse;
"when my barn burned--"

"Time is precious, my brethren," said Deacon Bates hastily, scenting a
personality. "I will therefore ask Judge Cottaway for his opinion of the
passage."

"I think," said the judge, with that impressive cough which is the
rightful indulgence of