Mr. World and Miss Church-Member

Preface

FTER long and careful study we send 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 twenty-five 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.

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 far-extended 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.

WiU not the reader, as he takes one step after another in the progress of the story, reahze 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 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 our prayer that each reader may be saved from snch 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 wiU quell his rising fears, and by whose power he will be transported to his never-ending home.

THE AUTHOR.

*

Contents

CHAP. page:

1. The Meeting of Mr. World and Miss

Church-Member, 23

Introduction

General Sup’t op Gospel Worker Society.

^ ITH some reluctance and a certain de- (OJ gree of prejudice did the officials of the “Gospel Worker Society” consent to examine the book entitled “ifr. World and Miss Church- Member ” for the purpose of deciding as to the advisibihty of adding said work to the Society’s regularily approved colportage literature.

The mission of the “Gospel Worker Society ” is not to despise sinners, but to love them ; not to condemn but to save ; not to antagonize, but to aid ( oft indirectly ) all Christian ( not reform ) movements, and to possess available unoccuppied territory.

To this end this Society devises plans and often resorts to means and methods extremely unique and unpopular in order to arrest the attention of the masses of non church goers and thus entice the same to hearing or reading about the Gospel of Christ our Lord. Therefore, the officials of this Society have for some time been earnestly endeavoring to add to its Colportage

Department literature of the unique kind : viz, fascinating, entertaining or even exciting, on condition that the same be sound in doctrine, i. e., teaching in substance that CHmST is the “Way, the Truth and the Life, ” and that His followers are a separate people, misunderstood by the world, with a living hope in their souls, and that the world, and all Christian professors walking in fellowship with the world, end in darkness, despair, and doom.

After due consideration “said officials” do hereby confess that this long-sought-for addition to the Gospel Worker Colportage Department is now being satisfactorially supplied in the most unique, fascinating and timely publication of the day, viz. “Jfr. World and Miss Church-Member, ” by W. S. Harris, an Allegory picturing awful and also blessed realities as seen at the opening of the 20th Century.

The book is unsectarian, not abusive ; the writer carefully avoids expressing his own opinion ( save to Blackana ) ; but simply, in a beautiful, 'inoffensive, yet convincing manner, he reveals facts which cannot be gainsaid. He advances truths in such palatable capsules that the most indifferent reader is likely to relish them (the capsules) and thus become a partaker of the truth which, after once received, will not return void.

We, however, admit that there may be terms, used or suggestions given in this publication which may not be fully understood by every reader as the Author expresses them, yet this should not be to the discredit of the work. There' are thousands of other treatises on different subjects, written in the customary style, which have' proved an untold blessing to those who have read them. However, in interesting the masses, the cold professor, and especially such as are totally indifferent in regard to the salvation of their own souls (without sacrificing the truth) this work will have few, if any, rivals among the publications of sound, religious literature. We predictfor it an unusual sale and pray that God’s choicest blessing may rest upon this book and its author.

W. B. Musselman- Williamsport^ Pa,^ March, 1902.

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Looking through the open door of the Twentieth Century.

Chapter I

Tlie 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. Prom here she journeys with him on the Broad Highway where she witnesses several sad endings of human life.

the closing hours of a long day I climbed Oy a rugged path to a high eminence whence I overlooked a beautiful valley and watched, with increasing delight, the changing hues of eairth 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 sm, *and' its blessed* scenes ‘of peace and righteousness. I also heard the unmistakable wails of

C a suffering humanity and the turmoils of myriad contentions, aU strangely mingling with the songs of 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 stiU played their perplexing parts in the fitful drama before me. AU of this 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

“WiU you wait for the winds to answer, or shaU 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 finaUy 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. ”

THEIR MEETING.

“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 interpreter, 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 thee 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 Blackana, 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, are as trifles, neither lessening my misery nor adding to my pleasure. ”

During a brief, thoughtful silence I continued looking 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 panorama before my entranced vision.

Under the new light I beheld a marvelous sight, for I could distinctly see the myriad millions of humanity moving on the paths of life tO: ward a common goal.

In the bright halo of the scene I saw the b^utiful King’s Highway, on which were marching the hosts of the church militant, led triumphantly

THEIR MEETING.

by the Spirit of God to the very gates of the Celestial City, which, though distant, I could yet see under the dazzling hght radiating 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 dehberate step, scrutinizing the objects along the way; others, in mad haste, rushing on toward an awful destruction whose wreck and ruin loomed up dimly in the glare of an eternal burning.

Among 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 aH 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, ta 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. O, 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

THEIR MEETING.

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 ways, 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, would 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 infiuence, be drawn into a nobler life, and even have your companionship 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 at the side of Mr. World with the desire to compass his conversion. But her conscience, at first, troubled her and hex feet moved with a suspicious tread.

In this nervous, half 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 wiUing 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 dress 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 hoheld this wide path along a great length, and I shiiddered 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 the path there were strata of fire, and they were apparently blind to the sulphurous flames which, here and there, issued from openings into which many an unsuspecting traveler feU.

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.

Miss Church-Member hurries to the rescue of an unfortunate victim.

THEIR MEETING.

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 very 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 wiU correct your vision ere your eyes are totally ruined. ”

The attention of Miss Church-Member was suddenly attracted by seeing a man who was just sinking out of sight into the fire of destruction. As soon as he disappeared the fiames burst forth in fury through the newly-made opening. Instantly a servant of Satan covered the breach so that observers could no longer 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. Bach 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 any one from such a snare of wickedness and vice. ”

Without a moment’s delay a demon rushed to the fiery o];)ening 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 any longer perceptible. But Miss Church-Member refused to leave the spot, and with tears she urged Mr. World to place there a

THEIR MEETING.

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 continually 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.

“Look yonder,” 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.

“I am safe enough,” was the indifferent re-

ply-

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

“What right have you to judge me,” she curtly replied, “since you also are on this Broad Highway ? Have I not heard already the word^

3Q MR. WORLD AND MISS CHURCH-MEMBER.

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 to 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 help 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 defends Miss Church- Member for traveling on the Broad Highway.

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

Along the way there were so many things to attract the attention that the farther Miss Church-Member journeyed with Mr. World, the less frequently she looked toward the King’s Highway. However, her face brightened and her hopes waxed 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 lightandglory.” j j » i •

“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 hiU, and I wiU help you to the summit — while Another wiU 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 foUow your advice. This path turning away to the right leads t^ a place that may seem bright from this point, but nevertheless I kn«w 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.”

Miss Church-Member, with eyes but partly open to her own foUy, was grievously perplexed

Let us follow this shining path,” hopefully urged Miss Church-Member. But it is too

rough and steep for Mr. World.

THE BY-PATH.

and not a little disappointed. She fell on her knees and wept. Looking up pleadingly into his eyes, she faltered :

“Twice have I yielded to you since we entered into companionship. You well remember the solemn promise you made, but at each time you deferred its fulfillment, and now I must again hear your vain excuses. I have suffered much for your sake, and have now the enmity of many a former friend, and even my pilgrim robe is becoming stained with the filth of this way. ” “Come, come, my friend, be a woman and not a sickly suppliant. The portion of the King’s Highway which we would reach from this point is too rough for my feet to travel. We will shortly come to a more convenient place ; then I can think more seriously of leaving this way. ” “Ah!” sighed Miss Church-Member, “you say that in your folly. I can testify, from knowledge, that the way is most delightful and leads to mansions incorruptible in the Celestial City. ” “Let us cease debating,” interrupted Mr. World, with ill-concealed impatience. “If you have sacrificed so much through my fellowship and imagine that you can find better company, you may leave, but you cannot expect me to accompany you on so thorny and rough a path as this which you have so foolishly proposed. ”

Strengthened by the remnants of Christian

40 MK. WORLD AND MISS CHURCH-MEMBER.

virtue yet within her, she sprang to her feet and was about to execute her noble purpose of leaving him. But a number of Mr. World’s friends quickly rallied and complimented Miss Church- Member on the good she had already done. “Mr. World is a better man since he has known you, ” ^aid one. “If you will continue walking with him on his own level, no one can estimate the amount of good you will yet do for him, ” hopefully spoke another.

These unexpected testimonies aroused anew her missionary spirit and changed her thoughts to these yielding sentences :

“No sacrifice is too great, ' if victory but comes at last. If there is hope that Mr. World wiU cease deceiving me and walk in the path of truth, I wiU consent to be his companion still a little farther. ”

“There is every hope of that,” smiUngly returned Mr. World as he suavely bowed to her and to the little group of companions who had given him such timely help.

As I saw Mr. World and Miss Church-Member moving on, in closer fellowship than ever, I waxed warm with indignation, and addressed Blackana who was still lying at my side as motionless as the strata of the rock-ribbed earth :

• ‘ “Will you explain to me this folly of Miss

THE BY-PATH.

S9

Church-Member, who has not only disgraced her cause before the fiendish Mr. World, but who also continues with him in such unseemly intimacy?”

“Miss Church-Member is not walking in folly. She is engaged in a noble work, endeavoring to elevate Mr. World to a higher Christian life,” was the answer from the lips of Blackana in a low, heavy voice.

“Ah,” said I, with a feeling of suspicion, “she is shining from the wrong lighthouse. The rays of truth will never reach him as long as she is in that position.

“Perhaps they might in a miraculous way,” suggested Blackana.

“No good miracle is ever done in the steps of the Devil or in his dominions, ” I answered with boldness.

Then did Blackana enlarge himself, and as he replied he looked down upon me significantly. “O puny mortal, instruct me not in the miracles of my master. More great things are done under the canopies of Hell than mortals ever know. ”

At first I was filled with alarm, but under the voice of One invisible I rose as with superhuman strength, and I looked at him unflinchingly. “O horrible creature ! I fear you not in any of your passions. You would even destroy me if you could, but you are forever restrained by the Power that holds authority over all !”

There was a sudden rustling, unlike anything I had ever heard. The uncanny creature dashed toward me in his awful fury. But I moved not, neither was I touched. Then I stretched forth my hand and commanded him, in the name of One who is supreme, to cease his foolish ragings, else would he be instantly flung through the wastes of HeU.

Blackana, knowing his hmit, as all foul fiends do, dared to venture no further in his rage, but calmed himself and, with unexpected civility, he addressed me. He told me, in close detail, how Mr. World, by his binding promises to his companion, had played the part of folly rather than Miss Church- Member who did nothing more than enter upon a more convenient and a Broader Way to heaven, and that, too, in good company.

“And what think you, — will Mr. World ever fulfill his binding promises

“Do not doubt it, sir. Mr. World is an honorable gentleman. His promises are always fulfilled.

“A he ! A he ! Can you not speak the truth ?“

Again he was about to rise into terrible proportions when a great hand moved the door on its hinges. Blackana, interpreting that movement better than I, continued in dread restraint.