is
unbelieving enemies. We must forget all minor differences, and think
only of the faith we hold in common. Even you must admit that it is
better to see the Almighty dimly through mists and clouds, or even
though our view be obstructed by a crowd of doubtful saints, than to
turn our backs on the Christian Godhead, and deny his existence like
these godless French. I assure you I have become a strong friend to
the Pope."

"The more is the pity," groaned Moodie. "But what is written is
written."

"I know, Moodie, that you believe that we who have deserted the Kirk
of Scotland, and crossed the border in search of a church, have
already traveled a long way toward Rome."

"About half-way, my lady. The church of England is no abiding place,
but merely an inn on that road."

"Why," exclaimed Mrs. Shortridge, "is Moodie so much dissatisfied with
our church? For my part it does not seem natural to me for genteel
people to go any where else."

"You may find, madam," said Moodie, "a great many genteel people going
some where else. Gentry is no election to grace."

Mrs. Shortridge resented the insinuation by indignant silence; but
Lady Mabel, who had her own object in exasperating Moodie's sectarian
zeal, now asked him: "What is the last symptom of backsliding you have
seen in me?"

"It seems to me, my lady, that you are getting strangely intimate with
the Romish faith and rites, for one who does not believe and practice
them. It is a sinful curiosity, like that of the children of Israel,
which first made them familiar with the abominations among their
neighbors, then led them to practice the idolatries they had
witnessed."

"But may there not be something sinful, Moodie, in denouncing the
errors and corruptions of the Romanists, without having thoroughly
searched them out?"

"We know the great heads of their offense--their perversion of gospel
truth--their teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. There is
no need to trace every error through all its dark and crooked
windings. Truth is one: that God has allotted to his elect. Errors are
manifold, and sown broadcast among the reprobate."

"Still it must matter much what degree and kind of error falls to our
lot," Lady Mabel suggested.

"Perhaps so," Moodie answered, with doubting assent. "Yet if we are
not in the one true path, it may matter little which wrong road we
travel."

"Well, Moodie," said she, "however much you may narrow down your
Christian faith,