"There is a better word for them than that," said Theodora, her face alight with spiritual promise. "'The Lord is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that _all_ should come to repentance.' That is what Saint Peter says, and Timothy, 'God our Saviour will have all men to be saved,' a great _all_ that, and the Testament is full of such glad hope." "Those passages do not apply to the lost, Dora." "But as your great Scotch preacher, Thomas Erskine, said, we are lost _here_ as much as there, and Christ came to seek and to save the lost." Mrs. Campbell looked with sorrowful anger at her son, and Robert said: "My dear Dora, you argue like a woman. Women should listen, and never argue." "Women are told to search the Scriptures, Robert. I search and understand them, but I do not often understand the men who profess to explain them." "Your father----" "Oh, my father! _He_ has come unto Bethlehem. Those who can believe God has any pleasure in punishing sinners, are still at Sinai." "God must punish sinners," said Isabel. "God can reform and forgive them, just as easily; and it would be far more in accord with His nature, for 'God is Love.'" "If we are to have a theological discussion by young women, I shall retire," said Robert, and with these words he rose from the table. "Sit down, Robert. You have had no pudding." "The collops were very fine to-day, mother, and I am satisfied." As he left the room Theodora rose and went with him, but he did not appear to notice her. When they were in their parlor he said: "You ought to have sat still and finished your argument with my sister." "Have I done something wrong, Robert?" "I think if you cannot assent to mother's statements, it would be more becoming not to contradict them." "If it had been a matter of no importance, I would have kept silence, but I must always testify in any company, the absolute perfection of Jesus Christ's sacrifice." "Nobody challenged it." "But if it does not save _all_ it is imperfect. And surely John the Beloved knew his Master's heart, and he says 'Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.' How can any one dare to narrow that zone of mercy?" "You argue like a woman, Dora." "I am not arguing. I am only quoting what the greatest of men have said."