“I’ve also been reading ‘Natural Law in the Spiritual World’” said Dorian.

“Good,” replied Uncle Zed.  “I was going to lend you my copy, so we could talk about it intelligently.  What message have you found in it for you?”

“Message?”

“Yes; every book should have a message and should deliver it to the reader.  Drummond’s book thundered a message to me, but it came too late.  I am old, and past the time when I could heed any such call.  If I were young, if I—­if I were like you, Dorian, you who have life before you, what might not I do, with the help of the Lord!”

“What, Uncle Zed?”

“Drummond was a clergyman and a professor of natural history and science.  As such, he was a student of the laws of God as revealed both through the written word of inspiration and in nature about him.  In his book he aims to prove that the spiritual world is controlled by the same laws which operate in the natural wold; and as you perhaps discovered in your reading, he comes very nearly proving his claim.  He presents some wonderfully interesting analogies.  Of course, much of his theology is of the perverted sectarian kind, and therein lies the weakness of his argument.  If he had had the clear truth of the restored gospel, how much brighter would his facts have been illumed, how much stronger would have been his deductions.  Why, even I with my limited scientific knowledge can set him right in many places.  So I say, if I were but a young man like you, do you know what I’d do?”

“What?” again questioned Dorian.

“I would devote all my mind, might and strength to the learning of truth, of scientific truth.  I would cover every branch of science possible in the limits of one life, especially the natural sciences.  Then with my knowledge of the gospel and the lamp of inspiration which the priesthood entitles me to, I could harmonize the great body of truth coming from any and every source.  Dorian, what a life work that would be!”

The old man looked smilingly at his companion with a strange, knowing intimation.  He spoke of himself, but he meant that Dorian should take the suggestion.  Dorian could pick up his beautiful dream and make it come true.  Dorian, with life and strength, and a desire for study and truth could accomplish this very desirable end.  The old man placed his hand lovingly on the young man’s shoulder, as he continued: 

“You are the man to do this, Dorian—­you, not I.”

“I—­Uncle Zed, do you believe that?”

“I do.  Listen, my boy.  I see you looking over the harvested field.  It is a fine work you are doing; thousands can plant and harvest year after year; but few there are who can and will devote their lives to the planting of faith and the nourishing and the establishing of faith in the hearts of men; and that’s what we need now to properly answer the Lord’s cry that when He cometh shall He find faith on the earth?...  Let the call come to you—­but there, in the Lord’s own good time.  Come into the house.  I have a new book to show you, also I have a very delicious cherry pie.”