As this tall, wiry demon continued to unfold his deep-laid plans, I well understood why Satan has selected the church-choir as an objective point, and has delegated so large a number of imps to do work in that special direction. I then cried within me: “Oh, that these churches would not use their choir-corners as an advertising medium for the Theatre! And that choirs, in their musical devotions, may be led by the Spirit of God rather than by the imps of Hell!” This committee retired with special encomiums. The chairman rose and I heard four sonorous clangs which summoned the “Ministerial” committee. At once its members, in their sedate and portly attitudes, surged down the massive aisles. I shuddered as I saw the variety of these mean Satanic faces, portraying a depth of vileness, mingled with shrewd and scholarly insight. With great care I studied this pack of Hell-hounds, gathered from the ends of the earth, now standing in sullen mood, ready to give their report. “What tidings, good or ill?” asked the chairman. “The tidings are good,” replied the famous leader. “By our efforts we have silenced many a voice which formerly thundered against us. To-day many more ministers are in sympathy with the modern Theatre of the higher grades, although not a few of these must hold their views in secret. Others speak apologetically, and still more come out in bold defense of what they term the ‘Select Theatre.’” “What do you consider the most hopeful line of your work?” further asked the chairman. “Our work in the theological schools,” quickly responded the leader. “Special sections of our committee have labored with stealthy vigor to capture the preacher before he reaches the pulpit. The last years of the century have witnessed phenomenal gains for our cause. By winning the theological student early to our Theatrical theories we are likely to gain his heart and sympathy in after years. Our success along these lines is the most hopeful sign of the times, and bespeaks the ushering in of more sensible conditions. (Furious applause.) “Before retiring,” continued the leader, “let me quote the utterances of a certain broad-minded clergyman: ‘The clean Theatre of the twentieth century will be, and ought to be, the moral prayer-meeting for Christians, while the spiritual prayer-meeting will be held in the church as usual.’” The whole army of devils cheered like madmen. I was so aroused that I felt that ecclesiastical lynch law should be applied to any minister whose utterances caused such jubilee among the legions of Hell. I could not remain to hear the report of: “The Moral Play” committee, “The Variant Dance” committee, “The Sacred Concert” committee and other committees whose names I could not learn. CHAPTER XIII. SCHOOLS OF LITERATURE. THIRD DIVISION 1. Seven separate halls described. 2. The far-reaching schemes of Satan to pollute the Press and the Pen.