ome frightful chasm.
With these there was a single narrow trail that led to safety; but no
two leaders could agree as to which was the right trail. One thing
only was certain: the true way was very hard to find, and no traveler
might discover it unaided.

And some declared that the Chart was complicated beyond all need.
There was one who said, "The multiplication of non-essentials has
become the bane of the forest." Even a little meadow which he had
found, and which he called the "Saints' Rest," was so entangled in
paths and counterpaths that once out of sight of it one could never
find it again.

All this time there were many bands that wandered about in circles,
finding everywhere cairns of stones, but no way of escape. Still
others remained day after day in the shadow of great rocks, disputing
and doubting as to how they should pass by them. There were arguments
and precedents enough for any course; but arguments and precedents made
no man sure.

And it came to pass that most travelers followed the band they found
nearest. At last, to join some band became their only care. And they
looked with pity and distrust upon those who traveled alone.

But the bands all made their way very slowly. No matter how wise the
leader, not all were ready to move at once, and not all could keep step
to the sound of even the slowest trumpet. There was often much ado at
nightfall over the pitching of the tents, and many were crowded out
into the forest. At times also, in the presence of danger, fear spread
through the band, and many of the weaker ones were trampled on and
sorely hurt.

Then, too, as they passed through the rocky defiles, some of them lost
sight of the banners, and then the others would wait for them, or
perchance leave them behind, to struggle on as best they might without
chart or guide.

And there were those who spoke in this wise: "Many paths lead over the
mountain, and sooner or later all come to the desert and the river. It
does not matter where we walk; the question is, How? We cannot know
step by step the way he went. Let us walk by faith, as he walked. If
our spirit is like his, we shall not lack for guidance when we come to
the crossing of the ways." And so they fared on. But many doubted
their own promptings. "Tell me, am I right?" each one asked of his
neighbor; and his neighbor asked it again of him. And those who were
in doubt followed those who were sure.

So it came to pass that