On this intervening ground everything appealed to the appetite, and
the patrons knew that the more they ate or purchased the greater would
be the success of the festival. Therefore some ate even unto gluttony
for the benefit of the church, while the agents of Satan with skillful
aim were sending poisoned arrows into the heart of true benevolence,
and also endeavoring to arrest the minds of Christians so that they
might pursue the Broader Path after their routine at the festival was
ended.
Thus I saw, falling into the coffers of the church, filthy lucre not
sanctified by prayer or sacrifice, and from this seed the church hoped
to reap a holy harvest.
Mr. World and his companion spent a delightful season with the company
and, thanks to Mr. World's plethoric purse, proved themselves pleasingly
generous in their patronage. Finally Miss Church-Member excused herself
from Mr. World and joined a company of young ladies who were engaged
in joyous pleasures.
Mr. World, now alone, was walking leisurely about the grounds when
Satan appeared and sauntered at his side "Are you not fearful," asked
Mr. World in the midst of a conversation, "that many of your subjects
will be led into the Narrow Path by tarrying at this place and
associating with so many Christians?"
"Not in the least," he replied, "for at such places as this I gain
more subjects than I lose.
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