The Bible, sir, is
a book which comes out in instalments, and `To be
continued,' not `Finis,' is written at the end of it."
My visitor had been showing every sign of acute
uneasiness during this long speech of mine. Finally, he
sprang to his feet, and took his hat from the table.
"Your opinions are highly dangerous, sir," said he.
"It is my duty to tell you so. You believe in nothing."
"Nothing which limits the power or the goodness of
the Almighty," I answered.
"You have evolved all this from your own
spiritual pride and self-sufficiency," said he,
hotly. "Why do you not turn to that Deity whose name you
use. Why do you not humble yourself before Him?"
"How do you know I don't?"
"You said yourself that you never went to church."
"I carry my own church about under my own hat," said
I. "Bricks and mortar won't make a staircase to heaven.
I believe with your Master that the human heart is the
best temple. I am sorry to see that you differ from Him
upon the point."
Perhaps it was too bad of me to say that. I might
have guarded without countering. Anyhow; it had the
effect of ending an interview which was becoming
oppressive. My visitor was too indignant to answer, and
swept out of the room without a word. From my window I
could see him hurry down the street, a little black angry
thing, very hot and troubled because he cannot measure
the whole universe with his pocket square and compasses.
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