Mr. World and Miss Church-member, or, The secret service of Satan : an allegory

Front matter

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

*

• MR. WORLD

Preface

/^y) I FTER long and careful study we send 1 1 LSI forth this book to do its work. We offer no apology for adding one more volume to the endless library of modern times, constantly increasing at the rate of over one hundred volumes per week, the great bulk of which is consigned to the debris of the passing years. We pray that this book may find a field of usefulness, rather than an early grave.

We need not tell of the pleasures and difficulties we experienced in preparing these twentyfour chapters for the press. Let it be known, however, that we were seconded and assisted by several able critics who, each one independently of the others, kindly reviewed the manuscript. At the suggestions of these critics minor changes were made in the several manuscript editions. These critics deserve much credit especially for the literary finish there may be to this book.

As you read the chapters you may wonder how we became so familiar with the secrets of Satan’s work. If you cannot find a solution to this query between the lids of the book, do not seek it from the publisher or the author. Upon a careful perusal of the pages you will find that the book is its own interpreter.

The illustrations were drawn by Paul J.

Krafft, of New York. They evince patient study and careful work, and display a creative genius well suited to the field of allegory.

The leading moral truths are developed in the memorable journey of Miss Church -Member upon the Broad Highway in company with the polite and yet fiendish Mr. World. In this lifelike journey the two companions come in contact with many of Satan's up-to-date schemes and witness his fiendish and far-ext ended operations in many a wicked realm. In the descriptions of all these things we have endeavored to be suggestive rather than exhaustive, for we have withheld the almost infinite details and brought to light only a mere synopsis of the panorama as seen from the lofty summit.

Will not the reader, as he takes one step after another in the progress of the story, realize more keenly than ever the unspeakable deceptions of Satan, so bewitchingly robed in the garments of subtle treachery?

The course of Miss Church-Member is but a sad comment on the moving masses who are so thoroughly led captive by the Devil as to imagine that they are traveling on a more convenient way to Heaven while they are actually on the Broad Highway to destruction. The logical ending of such a life is pictured in the remorseful and tragical experiences of Mr. World and Miss Church-Member in the Valley of the Shadow of Death. It is my prayer that each reader may be

PREFACE.

saved from such a terminus of life by journeying on the King’s Highway and taking Christ as his all in all. Then when he comes to the place made shadowy by the power of sin and death, he will be surrounded with a light from the sure city of God and by a convoy of angels whose music will quell his rising fears, and by whose power he will be transported to his never-ending home.

THE AUTHOR.

Synopsis of Contents.

CHAPTER I.— Page 19

The Meeting of Mr. World and Miss Church- Member.

1. The dying of a century compared to the waning of a day.

2. The allegory opens with a panoramic view of human life, as seen through the open door of the 20th century, on the Broad Highway and King’s Highway. Blackana is introduced.

3. Mr. World meets Miss Church-Member at a place called Fellowship. From here she journeys with him on the Broad Highway where she witnesses several sad endings of human life.

CHAPTER II.— Page 32. The By-Path

1. In their journey Mr. World and Miss Church- Member come to the By-Path leading to the King’s Highway; on this Miss Church-Member urges Mr. World to travel. He defers so decisive a step and defends his attitude by the use of sophistry.

2. Miss Church-Member, still hoping to win Mr. World to a better path, still forsakes the King’s Highway and continues in his company.

3. A tilt with Blackana who defended Miss Church- Member for traveling on the Broad Highway.

CHAPTER III.— Page 41. The Devil’s Optical College

1 . The college described.

2. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member have their eyes examined, and Miss Church- Member is supplied with lenses which warp her spiritual vision.

3. The allegory shows how Satan supplies every conceivable kind of lenses to suit the people of the world and the church.

4. Blackana, with deceptive words, attempts to defend Satan’s course.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.— Page 50. Satan Interpreting Scripture

1. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member now take an easier method of traveling-, for they ride on a strange vehicle down the gravity road.

2. Miss Church-Member reads her Bible by the aid of her new glasses.

3. She is assisted in understanding it by a minion of Satan who comes robed as an angel of light.

4. Her glasses enable her to distinguish between the inspired and the uninspired parts of the Bible for which ability she is highly complimented.

CHAPTER V.— Page 62. The Devil’s Pawn Shop

1. Miss Church-Member with her new glasses looks upon her attire and. not being satisfied with her pilgrim’s robe, she exchanges it for up-to-date apparel.

2. The similar action of Mr. Deacon and Mr. Elder described.

CHAPTER VI.— Page 77. ( Underground.)

1. An allegorical representation of Satan’s underhanded methods in law and politics. All seen during a thrilling journey with Blackan'a through the underground regions (level below level) where the laws of Hell are hatched .

2 A realistic - climax — ultimate triumph of right in the civil realm.

CHAPTER VII.— Page 94. The Hill of Remorse

1. While climbing a steep hill Miss Church-Member is touched by Remorse.

2. Satan’s strategy in keeping her away from the Narrow Way.

3. All her trouble is lost in company with Mr. World on the Mountain-top of Apathy.

CHAPTER VIII.— Page 104. The Valley of Temptation

1. In this valley the two great Highways run almost parallel.

2. The intervening ground is all alive with Satan's schemes to entice, entrap, and discourage Christians.

3. The operation of Christian forces in this valley.

CHAPTER IX.— Page 116. The Tower of Temptation

1. The tower affords the most advantageous view of the world and a most discouraging view of the King’s Highway.

2. The triumphant flight of Mrs. Discouraged from the tower’s top to a place on the King’s Highway called “Victory by Faith.”

3. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member ride from the tower’s top in Satan’s new air ship.

CHAPTER XIII.— Page 164. The Devil’s Temperance College

1. Mr. World and his companion visit this immense college, with many wings, all df voted to teaching every phase of the temperance question in accordance with Satan’s views.

2. A view of the millions who attend this college.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS,

CHAPTER XIV.— Page 178. Infernal School System

1. A general view of the vast University of the World with all its subordinate operations. All working in harmony to destroy the good that God would do in the world.

CHAPTER XV.— Page 185. Expert Inventors of the Broad Highway

1. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member fail to see the Ways and Means Committee at work.

2. They are directed to the city where expert inventors are constantly employed in devising weapons and all kinds of devices.

3. They see a few inventions which are just being perfected to facilitate the services of the churches along the King’s Highway.

CHAPTER XXI.— Page 259. The Devil’s Hospital

1. Miss Church-Member, suddenly attacked with heart trouble, is hurried away do the Hospital.

2. She receives the attention of Satan’s fiendish surgical operators.

3. A visit through the various wings of the Hospital and sub-offices. The fiendish work described.

CHAPTER XXII.— Page 278. Satan’s Secret Service

1. While Miss Churcn-Member is convalescent, Mr. World alone visits the underground apartments where secret sins are taught.

2, The last horrible stages of vice represented.

CHAPTER XXIII.— Page 287. The Last Warning

1. Miss Church-Member is now induced to frequent the haunts of vice in *‘The Wicked Valley.”

2. The blessed work of Warning as given by rescue bands from the King’s Highway.

3. The heedless throngs passing by..

4. The experiences at this place of Mr. World and Miss Church-Member.

CHAPTER XXIV.— Page 297. The Valley of the Shadow of Death

1. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member getting farther from the light.

2. They drift into the deepening shadows where the path-could be traveled only one way.

3. The terrible experience of the two companions contending with the imps of the dark valley.

4. Their sad and tragic end as they catch a glimpse of what they might have been.

Introduction

OBy Bishop Rudolph Dubbs, D. D., LL. D.

N response to the earnest request of the author of this book I have written these introductory words, after a careful, deliberate reading of the allegory. What I have written expresses my own opinion of the book, uninfluenced by motives of friendship for the author or any other consideration.

The book is a powerful allegory, somewhat after the style of Pilgrim’s Progress, but in no sense is it an imitation of any existing work of the kind. It is a masterful presentation, wrought out with excellent judgment and consummate skill.

The creatures of the author’s vivid imagination are perfectly formed and fittingly clothed, living, moving, feeling, talking, in complete harmony as the development of the great drama goes on to its consummation. The author has evidently made a careful and profound study of the manitold dangers which beset the Christian church and threaten her spirituality, and consequently her influence and power in saving the lost and maintaining the gospel standard of life and godliness in the world.

The encroachments of worldlings upon the church are truthfully and graphically set forth. The manifold forms of temptation and danger are clearly exposed, and faithful, tender, earnest warnings and admonitions are set over against them. In depicting the various efforts of Satan and his agents to lead Christians away from God and duty, the author shows an extensive knowledge of the devices of the evil one, as well as a clear insight into the drift and tendency of modern forms of wickedness.

The final results of compromise with the world are set forth in vivid, graphic pictures drawn on the dark shadows as with a pencil of fire. The downward course of the deluded soul is followed, step by step; the snares and delusions of sin are exposed; the mask of vice is relentlessly torn away, and church- members can here see what fellowship with the world really means and whither it leads.

The religious tone of the book throughout is excellent. The delusive character of sin is plainly pointed out. The devices of Satan are laid bare with unsparing hand. The abominations of vice are not concealed. All this is done in language well chosen and unexceptionable.

The Christian life is pictured without cant or exaggeration. The beauty and blessedness of a devoted life are eloquently portrayed. True religion with its present comforts and its great rewards is presented in a most attractive form, and the contrast between the worldling and the

INTRODUCTORY.

faithful Christian, here and hereafter, is impressively set forth.

With this favorable opinion of the book to whose edifying pages I introduce the reader, I deem it proper for me also to recommend it most heartily as a book worthy of a place on every family table and in every Sunday-school library. Let young and old read its fascinating and instructive pages. Let it be circulated by hundreds and thousands of copies. May the blessing of God attend the book in its mission and ministry wherever it is read.

The author will not think me unduly critical when I suggest that, in a second edition of his book, he should more fully expose the demoralizing and destructive influence of the theater, and that he should not unmask Satan so early in his intercourse with the wordly church.

RUDOLPH DUBBS,

Chicago , III., Dec. 1900.

. *

V r

Looking Through the Open Door of the Twentieth Century.

See pages 21, 22.

Chapter I

The Meeting of Mr. World and Miss Church-

Member,

1. The dying- of a century compared to the waning of a day.

2. The allegory opens with a panoramic view of human life, as seen through the open door of the 20th century, on the Broad Highway and King’s Highway. Blackana is introduced.

3. Mr. World meets Miss Church-Member at a place called Fellowship. From here she journeys with him on the Broad Highway where she witnesses several sad endings of human life.

N the closing hours of a long day I climbed a rugged path to a high eminence whence I overlooked a beautiful valley, and watched, with increasing delight, the changing hues of earth and sky.

As the shadows of twilight were deepening each moment grew more strange and mysterious, until the waning day seemed to be transformed into the dying of the century; then I saw, as “through a glass darkly,” the whole panorama of human life, with its painful pictures of sadness and sin, and its blessed scenes of peace and righteousness. I also heard the unmistakable wails of a suffering humanity and the turmoils of myriad contentions, all strangely mingling with

B the songs ctf glory and the shouts of spiritual triumph.

In deep silence I continued looking upon these endless confusions of the church and the world, as they still played their perplexing parts in the fitful drama before me — all of which so preyed upon my mind that I involuntarily cried out, in the anguish of my soul: “When will confusion come to an end, and sweet peace cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ?”

“Will you wait for the winds to answer, or shall I?” replied a voice so passing strange that I was startled.

I turned to see in whose presence I was and, to my horror, I beheld a dark creature unlike any mortal being. He was without definite form and not cumbered with any garments His indescribable face was set with two bright eyes, softened in expression until a slight halo revealed to me a countenance half beautiful and half terrible.

“Who are you, and what is your mission ?” I finally ventured to ask, after speech had found my lips, for I was altogether ignorant of his nature or purpose.

“I am Blackana, from the lower world of spirits, and am commanded here to stay until released. ”

“Until released? What power binds you here, and how long will you abide ?” I asked in dread suspense.

“I must remain, as your companion and inter-

THEIR MEETING.

21%'

preter, until the vision is past.”

I trembled under these announcements, but I was assured that underneath me were “the everlasting arms” and, moreover, I heard a still, small voice whispering within me: “Stand still, . O mortal man ! Neither Blackana nor any of his horde shall do thee harm. He hovers before thee at my bidding, and will leave only at my command. Ask him what thou wilt, and he must answer thee, even to the limit of his knowledge.”"

At this juncture, and without a moment’s warning, my vision was enlarged and an unusual light flashed upon me. Quickly I cast my wondering eyes all about me and saw that I was standing at the very threshold of a great door. It was of such imposing dimensions and so magnificently constructed that only the architects of Heaven could have designed it.

Instinctively I turned to JBlackana, whom I could now face without fear: “Where are we, and what is the meaning of this great door?” And as I spoke unseen hands swung it open . upon its hinges.

“We are standing at the open door of the twentieth century. You may look out into the coming years as far as you wish,” replied Blackana in a cold.indifferent manner.

Thrilled by such an unusual sight, and the thought which his interpretation and words suggested, I marveled at his sullenness, for Blackana did not so much as lift his head to see the

• spectacle.

“O, Blackana!” I cried, “why are you so dead to such surroundings ?”

“These are mere playthings,” was his gruff reply. “To me the doors of the centuries, which open and shut on the cycles of time, areas trifles, neither lessening my misery nor adding to my pleasure.”

During a brief, thoughtful silence I looked at him, as a shudder swept my whole being. I then turned from this creature so shrouded in mystery and, stepping forward to look through the open door, I was suddenly overawed at the still greater scenes which spread in wondrous vistas

• before my entranced vision.

'Under the new light T beheld a marvelous sight, for I could distinctly see the myriad millions of humanity ^moving on the paths of life toward a common goal.

In the bright halo of the scene I saw the beautiful King’s Highway, on which were marching the hosts of the church militant, led triumphantly by the Spirit of God to the very gates of the Celestial City, which, though distant, I could yet see under the dazzling light which radiated from the central throne of glory as from untold suns.

In the darker shadows of this same panorama I saw the Broad Highway with its thronging multitudes. Some, with deliberate step, scrutinizing the objects along the way; others, in mad

THEIR MEETING.

haste, rushing on toward an awful destruction, whose wreck and ruin loomed up dimly in the glare of an eternal burning.

Amongst the happy pilgrims of the King’s Highway was one named Miss Church-Member, who had left the Broad Way of death, and entered, through Christ, into that marvelous light wherein she was now walking. Her tread was in sweet harmony with the footsteps of her Master, and her beautiful face was all aglow with the passion of pure love.

A pilgrim’s robe added beauty to her form; a Bible, carried under her arm, gave some evidence of her spiritual character; and a religious emblem, worn over her heart, told that she was a member of some Christian organization.

'“ Miss Church-Member, in traveling her chosen path, tarried at a place called Fellowship, which occupied a pleasing site close by the King’s Highway. Here one could readily speak and associate with the travelers who moved in gay companies along the Broad Highway.

At this visiting place she met a certain Mr. World — a good, jolly fellow, of corpulent build, who was attired in the fashion of the day, and bore himself with more than usual jauntiness in the presence of Miss Church-Member.

After a pleasing conversation, in which Mr. World plied his Satanic shrewdness and sophistry, he was emboldened to give this brief invitation: “Will you journey a short distance with me on this Broader Way, that I may prepare myself, with more facility, to accompany you where you wish, even on a path as narrow as the one you seem to love ?”

“Ah, Mr. World,” she said, with a tolerant smile, “do you not know that you are walking on the way of danger and death ? Why would you have me share your folly ? It were a thousand times better for you to join me at once on a path that leads to everlasting happiness. Here you can drink the water of life in abundance, and feed upon angels’ food. 0, come, Mr. World,” she added as she spoke more earnestly, “linger no longer, carry out the resolution which you have already broken repeatedly, and you will never regret so wise an action.” Thus did Miss Church- Member urge upon him a course which, in her inimitable missionary spirit, she made really attractive to him. Although he appreciated her genuine earnestness, yet he could not be induced to heed her words.

“You have covered the whole field of my intention, ” he courteously replied. “I sincerely wish to mend my wTays, but there are certain things I must first overcome. How much better I could do this if one like you, in ’whom I have supreme confidence, wTould but journey at my side. Will you not do the work of a good missionary and, like Christ, adapt yourself to my level, that I may, by your uplifting influence, be drawn into a nobler life, and even have your companion-

THEIR MEETING.

ship as I go up to the Highway of your King ?”

Miss Church-Member, being of a sympathetic nature and of strong missionary proclivities, refused to heed her many counselors who feared for her safety, and actually stepped still farther from her wonted path, and journeyed atthe side of Mr. World with the desire to compass his conversion. But her conscience, at first, troubled her, and her feet moved with a suspicious tread.

In this nervous, halt confiding and half shrinking mood, she leaned lightly upon his arm, ever turning a deaf ear to the entreaties of her wellmeaning friends who still hoped to dissuade her from this ill-advised course.

Mr. World was keenly delighted at her concession and loyalty to him. He seemed to be willing to go to any sacrifice that might add to her comfort or increase her happiness. His many companions could readily see that Miss Church- Member felt “out of place.” But she justified her own course by what she was aiming to do.

He saw that her diess of righteousness was in wide contrast with the filthy rags that covered his own soul, and so he preferred to look upon the garments that adorned his outer person, and the gaudy scenes on either side of the way.

I beheld this wide path along a great length, and I shuddered as I saw the masses thereon who were engaged in the frivolities of life as found in the swiftly passing pleasures of sense and sight. The thoughtless throngs were seemingly unconscious that underneath the whole length and breadth of tiie path were strata of fire, and were apparently blind to the sulphurous flames which, here and there, issued from openings into which many an unsuspecting traveler fell.

Sad to relate, of all the moving multitudes there were but few, indeed, who took warning and fled toward the King's Highway. Many, like Miss Church-Member, were walking on the forbidden path for no other reason than some weak apology.

“What mean these lurid openings?” nervously asked Miss Church- Member, for their flames excited her terror.

Mr. World replied, with a look of surprise: “Have you never heard that these are to give light to pilgrims, such as we? Without them the way would prove but dark and dreary. ”

“What a contrast,” she exclaimed, “between these lights and those that illumine the King's Highway! They shine from above, with increasing splendor; while these cast forth, from below, their uncertain lights. It seems to me that the farther we go the darker becomes the way, and its lights the more inconstant, so fitful is their gruesome glare.”

“Ah! I see what ails you,” responded Mr. World, “your eyes are at fault. We will presently meet the expert who will correct your vision ere your eyes are totally ruined.”

The attention of Miss Church-Member was

Miss Church-Member Hurries to the Rescue of an Unfortunate Victim,

THEIR MEETING.

suddenly attracted by seeing a man who was just sinking out of sight into the fire of destruction. As soon as he disappeared, the flames burst forth in fury through the newly* made opening. Instantly a servant of Satan covered the breach so that observers could no more hear the wails of the poor man, nor smell the fumes from the burning strata.

Then did I look and, behold, I saw such places In countless variety, each attended by a servant of the Black Prince. Each opening made by an unfortunate victim was promptly sealed, so that others, in passing along, would the more readily be ensnared in one of these fatal fissures.

Miss Church-Member was more than alarmed at these sad endings of human life which now came to her attention more vividly than when she traveled on the King's Highway.

She also saw, not far ahead of her, a woman sinking in utter despair, and ran to rescue her. But the unfortunate victim fell to her wretched ruin before the hands of Miss Church- Member could give assistance.

“Help! help! I sink I know not whither, ” was her wailing cry, as she was passing out of sight, her arms outstretched beseechingly toward her would-be rescuer who arrived in time to see the first greedy flames that issued from the fresh opening.

“Oh, horror !” shrieked Miss Church-Member as she turned toward Mr. World. “That ought to be enough to keep every one from every snare of wickedness and vice. ”

Without a moment’s delay a demon rushed to the fiery opening and covered it from sight, completing his work so quickly and with such skill that neither the opening nor the glare of the flames were lcnger perceptible. But Miss Church-Member refused to leave the soot, and with tears she urged Mr. World to place there a sign of warning so that other short-sighted mortals who came that way might read and heed.

“It would be only a waste of time and energy. I have seen hundreds of such places where travelers have gone down, even under the sign of the Cross.”

“Indeed, Mr. World, I feel as though I should stand here and speak words of personal warning to any one who might seem determined to walk in such a terrible path as this.” Her finger pointed to the spot where she had just seen the poor victim fall to rise no more.

'r “Look over there,” he hurriedly spoke, as he touched her arm. “Do you see that woman with her steps in the same direction ? Now try your skill,” he added with more sneer than sympathy in his voice

She did not tarry to resent his attitude, but quickly went to the woman and asked her to pause a moment.

“Are you willing to be saved from destruction ?” earnestly asked Miss Church-Member.

THEIR MEETING.

“I am safe enough,” was the indifferent reply*

“You are now walking rapidly toward an awful death,” were her further words of warning.

“What right have you to judge me,” she curt- * ly replied, “since you also are on this Broad Highway ? Have I not heard already the words of warning from those who also wear the pilgrim’s robe, but who journeyed on the King’s Highway ? Their words brought conviction to my heart and tears to my eyes, but your words only stir up my indignation.”

“Why speak so unkindly to a friend? My only intention is to do you good. I just saw one who came to a horrible end by continuing a little farther in the same course that you are now pursuing.”

Then did the wicked woman fly into a rage. “You need no more concern yourself about me. I have two eyes— as many as you have. Look at your own future, not mine; at your own steps and not at another’s!”

“Come,” impatiently spoke Mr. World, as he drew her by the arm, “it is just as I expected; let us get away from this sickly atmosphere.” But Miss Church- Member lingered, only to see the heedless woman step to the last extreme and sink hopelessly, while her piteous cries for hplp came too late for any to rescue her.

CHAPTER II. The By-Path

1- In their journey Mr. World and Miss Church- Member come to the By-Path leading to the King’s Highway; on this Miss Church-Member urges Mr. World to travel. He defers so decisive a step and defends his attitude by the use of sophistry.

2. Miss Church-Member, still hoping to win Mr. World to a better path, still forsakes the King's Highway and continues in his company.

3. A tilt with Blackana who defended Miss Church- Member for traveling on the Broad Highway.

/^*HE highway of the world was so broad that W I one could walk thereon as loosely as he wished without fear of stepping from it.

Along the way were so many things to at tract the attention that the farther Miss Church Member journeyed with Mr. World, the less fre quently she looked toward the King's Highway However. her face brightened and her hopes wax ed strong, as they suddenly came to a place where two ways met.

With quick insight, Miss Church- Member saw that the By-Path was a blessed one and that it led directly to the King’s Highway.

“Let us follow this shining path,” she hopefully suggested. “I know it leads to the way of light and glory.”

THE BY-PATH.

“Not such a path, my friend,” hastily replied Mr. World. “Do you not see the terrible hill to which it leads, and those who are even now struggling to climb its arduous heights ?”

“I clearly see it all, ’’she calmly admitted, “but they who struggle most are endeavoring to carry many idols with them. If one will forsake his idols, he can, with ease and pleasure, mount to the shining summit which is but the edge of the King’s glorious Highway. Come, Mr. World, hesitate no more. Let procrastination end, and go with me even to the hill, and I will help you to the summit — but Another will help you more.”

“Very true, very true,” he said, though somewhat irritated, “but we have not yet come to the place where I may wisely follow your advice. This path turning away to the right leads to a place that may seem bright from this point, but nevertheless I know it to be a narrow, rugged way, whereon a few of your friends are trudging, eking out a miserable existence. Urge me not to go thither. If you leave me, I can neither accompany you nor give you my assistance. Surely you have learned, ere this, that your needs are of such a nature that you must inevitably suffer embarrassment without my little help.”