“I have been considerably burdened for you, lately, Brother Priddy.” “Eh?” “You have been the subject of my prayers.” “How is that?” “Because I think, though you may not realize it, that Satan is trying to lead you astray,” he answered, solemnly. “That’s interesting, I’m sure.” “It’s terrible!” he half shuddered. “But--er--what especial act of mine, Jason, has brought out this--er--burden for me?” “Carnal pride!” he exclaimed. “Pride?” I gasped. “I didn’t think I had anything or had done anything to be proud over--that I know of.” “I thought you did not see it,” he announced; “that is the deceitfulness of sin, it blinds us. That is why I came to you--to warn, you understand.” “Then you will relieve the tension I am suffering from at this minute,” I retorted, “by telling me just what it is to which I am blind, and which is sinful. I am sure I stand ready to renounce anything that is liable to stand between me and God, Jason.” His severe, but intensely spiritualized features relaxed at that declaration. He nodded his head and rubbed his pale hands. “I am glad that you are open to the truth, Brother Priddy,” he crooned, with satisfaction. “I have especial reference to that watch-chain of yours and to that scarf-pin.” “What!” “That and that,” he reiterated, pointing first to my watch-chain and then to my scarf-pin. “Nonsense,” I exclaimed. “What in the world are you making this bother over?” “That watch-chain and the pin are ornaments and personal adornments, not necessary to the person. They are expressions of pride which lies in the heart to corrupt it. Therefore you will never find peace with God until you have discarded them.” “Those things expressions of pride?” I gasped, “why, that chain is gold-plated and didn’t cost more than a dollar and a half, and as for the tie-pin!” I laughed. “Well, I paid ten cents for it, opals and all, in a Five and Ten Cent Store, Jason. Not much to grow proud over.” “It is not the price, Brother Priddy, but the principle.” “But I swear to you, Jason, that I don’t give those things a thought.” “No, granting that they don’t hurt you,” went on Jason, persistently, “they are liable to lead others into pride. It is the weak brother you must think of.” “I don’t think there’s much danger of others finding much to emulate in my jewelry or dress,” I answered. “I do recognize the force of what you have to say about the weak brother, Jason, and if, for a minute, I imagined I was doing anything or wearing anything that would hurt the life of another in any appreciable degree, why I’d renounce it quickly enough, you can wager!” “I never indulge in wagers,” protested the literalist, “it is ungodly. I still persist in asking you to give up that jewelry on the ground that in all things we should walk soberly, as the Bible enjoins.” “Well, I’ll think it over, Jason,” I said, walking hurriedly away. When Thropper returned from his trigonometry, I recounted my experience with Jason.