nobody can keep from sinning, then it
follows that one is not responsible for the sins he commits whether they
be large or small, few or many. Then why not have a good time in this
life? Why not go the full length into sinful pleasure?" And go the full
length he did. He had become involved in one criminal scrape after
another, and he would have landed in the penitentiary before this time
had it not been for Deacon Cramps' financial backing. And by this time
it had come to be common knowledge in the community that the son's
profligacy was almost certain to involve the Deacon in financial ruin.
It was a fact much discussed in inner business circles at Dobbinsville
that Mr. Gramps' farm was heavily mortgaged, and that unless some crook
or turn unforeseen favored him he would soon face bankruptcy. He had
been unable to pay the interest on the notes he had been obliged to
obtain in order to keep his son from going where he really belonged.

As for Jake Benton, during these five years since his conversion, his
poverty had stuck closer to him than a brother; but thanks be to his
persecutions, he had grown immensely rich in spiritual resources. He had
become a mighty man in prayer. The sick were healed in answer to his
prayer of simple faith. And it seemed only a natural thing for him to
pray for his enemies. And as for love, Jake loved everybody and
everybody had found it out. If anybody in the community wanted a favor
done them, all that was necessary was to mistreat Benton and he would do
them a favor. He had also developed into quite a preacher. Ever since
the meeting closed in the brush arbor he regularly gathered the saints
together on Sunday in the school house, and encouraged them in the
things of the Lord. His life was simply exemplary, and even his
bitterest enemies were compelled to acknowledge that God was with him.

One Sunday morning when Preacher Bonds stood before his meager audience,
the familiar face of Deacon Gramps was absent. His unusual absence from
the Church was very noticeable, and Preacher Bonds suggested in the
introductory remarks of his sermon that unquestionably Brother Gramps
was sick, and that it would be an act of brotherly kindness if when the
service was over a number of the members would call at the Gramps' home
and see the sick brother.

When Preacher Bonds had finished his sermon, a song had been sung, and
the benediction had been invoked, a dozen or more of the members with
Bonds in the