"Certainly," said Hubert. Then he added privately that they had not waited to understand the text before proceeding to pile up treasure upon earth in abundance. "I intend to look up the subject," he said aloud, "and see what the Bible really does teach about it; that is, what the New Testament says. I suppose if we searched the Old Testament we should find earthly prosperity guaranteed the Lord's people on the ground of obedience. But we are under the new covenant, with heavenly riches assured." "Just so--just so," murmured Mr. Gray. The next morning the subject was renewed. "I have found, father," said Hubert, "that the apostolic church did precisely what Jesus had told His flock to do. They sold what they had. It was an effect of the coming of the Holy Spirit. I suppose the heavens were so opened through that illumination that earthly possessions shriveled into nothingness by comparison. What precept alone could never have power to do the entrance of the Spirit did. It turned out the love of the world and 'the things that are in the world.'" An enthusiastic light glowed in Hubert's face as he spoke. His father eyed him curiously as on the day before. "Just so--just so," he replied, absently. Presently, however, he rallied to the discussion. "But, Hubert," he said, "do you remember what they did with the proceeds of their sales?" "Yes," said Hubert, "they laid them at the feet of the Apostles, and distribution was made to the needs of all the company." "That was not an indiscriminate alms-giving," said Mr. Gray. "No," replied Hubert. "But the parting with their possessions of those who had property supplied the need of those who had none. That could be called alms-giving, I should think." "That seemed to be confined to the church," said Mr. Gray meditatively. "Yes," said Hubert, "and when a beggar solicited alms of Peter and John, they had nothing to give him! No--I beg pardon--they had much to give him, through the 'riches in glory.' They gave him ability to make his own living, which was far better than an alms. But is there not some other Scripture that will tell us the relative positions of the church and the world to us in our giving?" "I think so," said Mr. Gray. "How is this? 'As we have opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.'" "That is to the point," said Hubert. "But to return to the Pentecostal precedent," said Mr. Gray; "if we were to sell out, at whose feet would you propose laying the proceeds?" He looked slyly at Hubert. "At Doctor Schoolman's?" "Never," said Hubert, and then he laughed. "I beg the gentleman's pardon for my emphasis," he said, "but it never would occur to me to turn over my money to him." Mr. Gray smiled. He felt that he had scored a good point against any rash procedure in the matter of possessions. "At whose feet, then," he persisted, "would you think to lay it down?" "There's the rub," said Hubert grimly.