“Then said I to myself:  It wouldn’t be very hard to be a Christian if one were only alone on this earth, and there were no fellow humans to be reckoned with.  I must confess that I really enjoyed being in prison, for there I was allowed to lead a righteous life, undisturbed and unmolested.  But after a time I began to think that this trying to be good in solitude was about as effective as the automatic turning of a mill when there’s no corn in the grinder.  Inasmuch as God had seen fit to place so many people in the world,” I reasoned, “it must have been done with the idea that they should be a help and a comfort to one another, and not a menace.  It occurred tome, finally, that Satan must have taken something away from the Bible, so that Christianity should go to smash.”

“But surely he never had the power to do that,” said Halvor.

“Yes; he has taken out this precept:  Ye who would lead a Christian life must seek help among your fellowmen.”

Halvor did not venture a reply, but Karin nodded approvingly.  She had listened very carefully, and had not missed a word.

“As soon as I was released from prison,” Hellgum continued, “I went to see an old friend, and asked him to help me lead a righteous life.  And, mind, when we were two about it, at once it became easier.  Soon a third party joined with us, then a fourth, and it became easier and easier.  Now there are thirty of us who live together in a house in Chicago.  All our interests are common interests; we share and share alike.  We watch over each other’s lives, and the way of righteousness lies before us, smooth and even.  We are able to deal with one another in a Christly manner, for one brother does not abuse the kindness of another, nor trample him down in his humility.”

As Halvor remained silent, Hellgum spoke on convincingly:  “You know, of course, that he who wishes to do something big always allies himself with others who help him.  Now you couldn’t run this farm by yourself.  If you wanted to start a factory, you’d have to organize a company to cooeperate with you, and if you wanted to build a railway, just think how many helpers you’d have to take on!

“But the most difficult work in the world is to live a Christian life; yet that you would accomplish single-handed and without the support of others.  Or maybe you don’t even try to do so, since you know beforehand that it can’t be done.  But we—­I and those who have joined me back there in Chicago—­have found a way.  Our little community is in truth the New Jerusalem come down from Heaven.  You may know it by these signs:  the gifts of the Spirit which descended upon the early Christians, have also fallen upon us.  There are some among us who hear the Voice of God, others who prophesy, and others, again, who heal the sick—­”

“Can you heal the sick?” Halvor broke in eagerly.

“Yes,” answered Hellgum.  “I can heal those who have faith in me.”