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Harris, W. S. (William Shuler), 1865-

"A twentieth century allegory"

" I then looked out toward the festival ground and saw
that Satan had returned to Mr. World and was explaining to him how
helpful these festivals were to Christians.
"Aside from the moral and religious influence," he remarked, "how could
the church defray her expenses if she did not engage in some innocent
forms of merchandising, or use some novel scheme to decoy money from
her admirers. Surely there can be no better way," continued the Devil
with an unholy grin. "If the church would maintain her honor before
the world, she must not do differently. I _am satisfied if wily thee
old way of voluntary giving is more and more discarded by the church."_
"But you began your former recital," reminded Mr. World, "to inform
me how the word 'Festival' originated. You have not yet succeeded in
making it clear to me."
"It originated from the phrase of honor which was given the prize-
winner, Fast Devil, but we changed the wording somewhat so that it
might not seem obnoxious to the church."
Then, by a peculiar method of concrete marking, Satan continued: "The
following is the process of development from the phrase to the word:
'Fast Devil;' '_Fest Evil_;' 'FESTIVAL.


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