I saw the multitude gathering in the grove. The mingling of the church and the world was so complete that one could scarcely tell from which path many had come. [Illustration: The Festival. Here the Church receives money for souls from the Devil, while the Devil gets souls for money from the Church.] On this intervening ground everything appealed to the appetite, and the patrons knew that the more they ate or purchased the greater would be the success of the festival. Therefore some ate even unto gluttony for the benefit of the church, while the agents of Satan with skillful aim were sending poisoned arrows into the heart of true benevolence, and also endeavoring to arrest the minds of Christians so that they might pursue the Broader Path after their routine at the festival was ended. Thus I saw, falling into the coffers of the church, filthy lucre not sanctified by prayer or sacrifice, and from this seed the church hoped to reap a holy harvest. Mr. World and his companion spent a delightful season with the company and, thanks to Mr. World’s plethoric purse, proved themselves pleasingly generous in their patronage. Finally Miss Church-Member excused herself from Mr. World and joined a company of young ladies who were engaged in joyous pleasures. Mr. World, now alone, was walking leisurely about the grounds when Satan appeared and sauntered at his side “Are you not fearful,” asked Mr. World in the midst of a conversation, “that many of your subjects will be led into the Narrow Path by tarrying at this place and associating with so many Christians?” “Not in the least,” he replied, “for at such places as this I gain more subjects than I lose. So I expect to encourage forever sacred-merchandising all along my route. The churches are glad to use this ground even though it belongs to me, for I concede to them all the money. Naturally I prefer souls to money.” “How did this word ‘festival’ originate?” queried Mr. World after a brief pause in the conversation. “With pleasure I will explain. Once upon a time I called together my generals to determine upon new methods of winning converts to our cause, and promised to confer upon the one who should suggest the best plan, the honorable title ‘Fast Devil.’ “A long intermission was granted to give my aids time to use their ingenuity in planning. All Hell was filled with students, each one striving to win the title. “At a given signal my cohorts re-assembled. Thus before me lay a vast army of anxious faces. I gave each one, who desired, an opportunity to speak. The sun revolved on his axis seven times ere the argument was finished. During this debate there was comparative peace on earth.” “Pray tell me,” further asked Mr. World, “What was the trend of their suggestions?” “I could relate it all, for I have every word recorded, but I shall not weary you.” “But at least give me a general idea.”