The evening of the first day that marked the stranger's advent into Westminster saw the entire _personnel_ of Harmony Place on the veranda. One subject after another was taken up, discussed and disposed of, or at least laid aside to give way to some other. The conversation proceeded from point to point until the topics of {264} the quiet gathering assumed more the aspect of an intellectual _melange_ than anything else. Two subjects which agitate us nationally and sometimes locally more than any other--politics and religion--had, so far escaped; they had not, however, been unthought of, and presently the latter was begun by the minister saying: "Representing to some extent, as I do, the church, I am pleased to be able to state that in the matters of organization, discipline and places of worship, America is thoroughly Christianized." "I partially concur with you," said the lawyer, "and yet I belong to no church at all--do not, in fact, endorse Christianity as a department of civilized life." "Why, how is this?" said Fitzallen, "I thought nearly everybody in this country must be orthodox to some extent, at least." "Not so with me, I assure you," the other replied, "and the strange part of it is, that my views are the result of investigation and the peculiar explanations of those who make religious teaching their calling. Those who accept the creeds which are supposed to base their tenets upon the Bible, do not, it appears to me, live up to their professions, and the clergy--no offense intended--are more addicted to money-getting than soul-saving." The stranger from the West was listening to all this with the air of one deeply interested. It was as if a desired opportunity had come, and he was not reluctant about replying when questioned as to his own views. It came when the churchman, after announcing his determination to "labor" with the infidel, turned to the newcomer and said: "I do not know whether you will be for or against me in this discussion, but as you come from what we of the East are prone to regard as the land where restraints are not severe, I presume you are disposed to assist him rather than me." "Well, gentlemen," said Durant, "this topic interests me, and while I and my opinions are unknown to you all, I will, if agreeable to you, endeavor to throw some light upon the subject. I am a believer in religion and lay claim to a testimony of the truth of the gospel of Christ from a divine source, and yet I often find myself opposed by ministers." "I cannot imagine why this should be the case," said Fitzallen, "if you are, as you state, a true believer in Christ and have a witness of Him." "If you will permit me to ask a few questions during your conversation with Mr. Brown, I may be able to take a general {265} part in the discussion, provided, however, that should we differ upon any point it will be in a friendly manner."