“That is as far as we have gone, Mary.  But we are not through the New Testament yet.  I was just counting, and there are about one hundred texts in which the word ‘church’ occurs.  But, it seems to me we have learned a great deal.  I can see plainly enough that there was only one church in the early era of Christianity.  All the ministers were welcome in every congregation.  They all went by one name.  There was probably only one congregation in any one city.  I do not know whether they had a class-book or not, but they were united in Christ.  Well, fold that sheet up, Mary; that contains the summary of our work this afternoon.  We may derive some value from it later on.”

“But, I am really puzzled,” continued Robert.  “Something certainly has happened to the church since the apostles’ day.  It is all divided now.  I believe some said that there are hundreds of denominations in the world now.  But I am determined on this—­that I will not join any church until this mystery as to its history has been cleared up, and I can see definitely the will of God in the matter.  It is possible, Mary, that this church of God, which this paper stands for, may be what we are looking for.  It has a Bible name, which is one thing In its favor.  But we shall wait.  I take my stand, here and now, God helping me, for Christ’s pure church.  I will look until my dying day to find it on earth, and will pray Almighty God to establish a congregation of this church here in order that it may show forth what God can do for men.”

So powerfully was Robert moved that he proposed that they pray.  In prayer, Robert renewed his covenant to walk in all of God’s light.

“Dear heavenly Father,” he said, “we have been studying thy Word in an effort to find out which church we should join.  Lead us, guide us aright in this matter, we pray.  Our souls crave spiritual communion with thy saints.  Show us Thy people.  Plant such a church as we have found in the Scriptures and which we know existed in Bible times; plant a congregation of Thy church in our midst, O Father.  Do not forsake us, but lead us.  Amen.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

ROBERT DAVIS’ BATTLES

A month passed away rapidly.  Robert and Mary Davis were making arrangements to occupy the property bought from Jake Newby.  Ever since the little altercation over the removal of the chicken-house, Robert had not seen much of Jake.  As for Jake, he continued sour and implacable.  It was very hard for any Newby to take anything from anyone, and yet, when they were on the right side of anything they were bold champions for it.  Some of the best improvements fostered by the community had been initiated by them.  Nevertheless, Robert considered it best to avoid any further rupture of their relations.

Jake Newby felt keenly the outcome of the debates in the Fairmount School.  He did not like to see his father suffer a loss of his prestige in the community.  He nursed a secret grudge against Robert, and determined that if ever an opportunity presented itself to his liking, he would do something to humble him.  He chafed especially under the implication that his father was not a Christian, and if only he could cause a downfall to Robert he would get sweet revenge.