The last meeting of the class was still the most popular subject of conversation among the members, however, and interest of such a degree could not help be contagious.  Other residents of Valley Rest, overhearing some of the chats between the members, expressed a desire to listen to the discussions of the class, and to all was extended a hearty welcome, without regard to race, color, or previous condition of religious servitude, and all were invited to be doers as well as hearers.  So at the next session appeared ex-Judge Cottaway, who had written a book and was a vestryman of St. Amos Parish; Broker Whilcher, who worshiped with the Unitarians, but found them rather narrow, and Broker Whilcher’s bookkeeper, who read Herbert Spencer, and could not tell what he himself believed, even if to escape the penalty of death.  Various motives brought men from other churches, including even one from Father McGarry’s flock, and all of them were assured that they might say whatever they chose, provided only that they believed it.

“Shall we continue our consideration of last Sunday’s lesson?” asked Deacon Bates, after the opening prayer had been offered.  “We have some new members, and should therefore have some additional views to consider.”

“Let’s hear everybody,” said Captain Maile.  “If we talk as long about this verse as we’ll have to talk before we reach any agreement, we’ll all die before we can reach the square up-and-down verses that are further along in this same sermon.”

“If the class has no objection to offer, we will continue our study of the third verse of the fifth chapter of Matthew, and those who spoke on last Sunday will allow the newer members and others an opportunity to make their views known.”  As Deacon Bates spoke, his eye rested warningly on Mr. Jodderel.

“I think,” said Mr. Jodderel, “that the new members ought to know what ideas have already been presented, so as to throw any new light upon them, if they can.  The nature of the kingdom of heaven, now, is the most important question suggested by the lesson, and—­”

“It won’t be of the slightest, consequence to any one,” interrupted Principal Alleman, “unless they first comply with the condition which the verse imposes upon those who want to reach the kingdom.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that,” remarked President Lottson; “Jesus said that the poor in spirit should have the kingdom of heaven; He didn’t say that no one else should share it with them.  What is written doesn’t always, express all that is meant.”

“It doesn’t in insurance policies, anyhow,” said Squire Woodhouse; “when my barn burned—­”

“Time is precious, my brethren,” said Deacon Bates hastily, scenting a personality.  “I will therefore ask Judge Cottaway for his opinion of the passage.”