"Ah, but there comes in just what St. James tells us we ought to keep out: the distinction between _riches and poverty_, distinctions which among our fellow-men have their advantages, but not before God in His house. Just hear what St. James says again: 'Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? But ye have despised the poor[101].' I was much struck with a sermon I heard the other day on this subject. The preacher said, 'If our Lord Jesus Christ were to enter some of our churches just as He went to the temple at Jerusalem, do you think He would take His seat in the luxuriously furnished pew of the rich, or in the open bench of the poor[102]?' Now, let me ask you too, Mr. Parvener (for this is, after all, the sum and substance of the matter), do you think that He 'who was rich, yet for our sakes became poor[103],' and whose life was a perfect pattern of _humility_, would sanction the distinctions which either pride of station, or pride of riches, would create in the House of Prayer?" "Well, sir, I must say that's a solemn question, and it sets one a-thinking more than I have thought before about this." "But, Mr. Beeland," said Sir John, interrupting, for he saw the ground of his arguments was slipping from under him, "you will acknowledge that these open benches in church are a _novelty_, and you often talk to us about keeping to the _old paths_. Now, here you are teaching us to strike out a new way altogether. I wish I knew something more than I do about the history of these pews." "I anticipated some such remark from you, and knowing that my friend Mr. Ambrose is more learned than I am in all these subjects, I induced him to join us this evening, and if he will kindly give us the benefit of his information, he will, I am sure, convince you that _pews, and not benches, are the modern innovation_." "If you can have patience to listen to me," said the Vicar of St. Catherine's, "I will gladly give you the history of pews, as far I know it." _CHAPTER XIX_ THE NAVE "Take theses things hence; make not My Father's house a house of merchandise." John ii. 16. "Not raised in nice proportions was the pile, But large and massy; for duration built; With pillars crowded, and the roof upheld By naked rafters intricately cross'd, Like leafless underboughs, 'mid some thick grove, All wither'd by the depth of shade above, ... The floor Of nave and aisle, in unpretending guise, Was occupied by oaken benches ranged In seemly rows." WORDSWORTH. Illustration: All Saints' Church, Bradford THE NAVE