“I walked.” “Why?” “Because I wanted a chance and a home.” “And you shall have both,” said Mary Wythburn, placing a kind hand upon the girl’s shoulders. “For Christ’s sake I welcome you, Andromeda, and will find you some work to do.” “Oh! are you sure that I shall not be sent back? I have no home anywhere now.” “You shall have one here,” said Mary, confidently. “This is a city of homes, and there is certainly room for one stranger who desires to live a better life.” “I do desire it,” said Drom. And Mary took her to church. CHAPTER XXIV. A CHURCH IN CONFERENCE. The second rest-day at Craighelbyl was even more peaceful and happy than the first, for there was less excitement and a greater feeling of at-homeness in the hearts of the people. Arthur Knight and his friends wondered very much whether the response to the invitation of the church bells would be as universal as before; but it was. At the appointed time groups of neighbours, with their families, were seen wending their way to the Father’s House with one accord. The people did not go, perhaps, from the highest motives. Can it be said that all the members of any congregation do? But so much were they impressed with the great kindness and good feeling of the master, that they, one and all, were trying to keep as right as they could, and many of them, knowing their own weaknesses, were thankful for the strength and help which they received from joining in the hymns and listening to the sermon. This notable Sunday was commenced with a communion service. The invitation was given to “all members of churches who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and consider His laws of life and conduct binding upon them.” And a large proportion of those who filled the building went forward. This service was short and solemn; it was a time of reconsecration to many, and it prepared them for what was to follow at the close of the day. After the evening service those who had joined in the communion service in the morning were requested to remain behind in order to attend the first church meeting, and, indeed, to form the church itself. The church was formed accordingly, and on a very simple basis. The following was the creed:— “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. “I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the Redeemer of the world, as my Saviour and Law-Giver. “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Revealer, the Enlightener, and the Comforter. “I take as my rule of life the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, believing that His laws are binding upon His disciples, and assured that He who lived for thirty-three years among men has raised no impossible standard of excellence and brotherly love in the Sermon on the Mount, and the other words of His placed on record in the gospels.” This confession was inscribed in a book, and those who were prepared to subscribe to it wrote their names beneath.