Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century AllegoryHarris, W. S. (William Shuler)
Religion
Mr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century Allegory
Harris, W. S. (William Shuler)
Christian fiction
As the minister neared the close of his essay, he said: “Christ intended
that man should enjoy liberty in this life, and that he should educate
himself in the best schools of art, science, and literature. Therefore
one has a right to seek, in this infinitely great world of ours, for
such things as will best educate his natural and spiritual being. If
the theatre can supply part of this demand, let him go, as a student,
and drink into his soul through the senses of sight and hearing. If
the dance can elevate him somewhat in demeanor and classical grace,
let him go there as a student. If some milder types of indulgence can
bring him into a more thorough knowledge of the weaknesses of human
nature, let him indulge, but only as a student with sincerest motives.
In general, I would say, that your conscience is a reasonably safe
guide and you cannot go far wrong by obeying its dictates. Be a student
all the days of your life; familiarize yourself with both the virtues
and the vices of human kind that you may be better qualified to defend
the right and resist the wrong.”
At the conclusion of the services I heard the minister announce that
the church would hold a “razzle-dazzle” party on Friday evening, at
which he hoped there would be a good attendance, as the church treasury
was in sad need of replenishment. He also announced that all the
prayer-meetings would be discontinued for two weeks, so as to permit
a thorough practice for the coming Cantata. After the dismissal of the
congregation the two continued on their journey, which was ever opening
to them new avenues of delight.
Miss Church-Member expressed supreme satisfaction regarding the
scholarly sermon to which she had listened, and confessed that she had
never heard a preacher in her own church take such advanced positions
concerning the nature of human liberty.
Mr. World felt elated because his companion had found such exquisite
delight in the worship of the same church to which he adhered. He also
remembered, with pleasure, that they had safely passed the little
church on the By-Way, which represented the same doctrines as the
church to which his now confiding friend belonged.
“Would it not be more in keeping with your advanced Christianity if
you were to withdraw your membership from your present connection and
join a church more fitting to your degree?” were his suave words of
invitation.
“That would be a natural question to consider after I know the rules
and regulations of the church to which I intend to go.”
“That only indicates your wisdom,” said Mr. World insinuatingly. “Since
you desire more congenial Christian fellowship, why not give your
attention to the church toward which I lean?”
“An agreeable suggestion,” she said. “Where can I get the desired
information?”
He answered the question by taking her to the home of the minister,
and there introducing the subject.
She was very favorably impressed by the courteous reception accorded
her by so great and dignified a person.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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