capable of almost any theological interpretation.  From what authoritative source are we to draw our doctrines?  In the baptismal service the articles of belief are stated to be in the Apostles’ Creed, but nowhere—­in this Church is it defined how their ancient language is to be interpreted.  That is wisely left to the individual.  Shall we interpret the Gospels by the Creeds, which in turn purport to be interpretations of the Gospels?  Or shall we draw our conclusions as to what the Creeds may mean to us by pondering on the life of Christ, and striving to do his will?  ‘The letter killeth, but the Spirit maketh alive.’”

Hodder rose, and stood facing his visitor squarely.  He spoke slowly, and the fact that he made no gesture gave all the more force to his words.

“Hereafter, Mr. Atterbury,” he added, “so long as I am rector of this church, I am going to do my best to carry out the spirit of Christ’s teaching—­to make Christians.  And there shall be no more compromise, so far as I can help it.”

Gordon Atterbury had grown very pale.  He, too, got to his feet.

“I—­I cannot trust myself to discuss this matter with you any further, Mr. Hodder.  I feel too deeply—­too strongly on the subject.  I do not pretend to account for this astonishing transformation in your opinions.  Up to the present I have deemed St. John’s fortunate—­peculiarly fortunate, in having you for its rector.  I am bound to say I think you have not considered, in this change of attitude on your part, those who have made St. John’s what it is, who through long and familiar association are bound to it by a thousand ties,—­those who, like myself, have what may be called a family interest in this church.  My father and mother were married here, I was baptized here.  I think I may go so far as to add, Mr. Hodder, that this is our church, the church which a certain group of people have built in which to worship God, as was their right.  Nor do I believe we can be reproached with a lack of hospitality or charity.  We maintain this parish house, with its clubs; and at no small inconvenience to ourselves we have permitted the church to remain in this district.  There is no better church music in this city, and we have a beautiful service in the evening at which, all pews are free.  It is not unreasonable that we should have something to say concerning the doctrine to be preached here, that we should insist that that doctrine be in accordance with what we have always believed was the true doctrine as received by this Church.”

Up to this point Mr. Atterbury had had a feeling that he had not carried out with much distinction the programme which he had so carefully rehearsed on the way to the parish house.  Hodder’s poise had amazed and baffled him—­he had expected to find the rector on the defensive.  But now, burning anew with a sense of injustice, he had a sense at last of putting his case strongly.

The feeling of triumph, however, was short lived.  Hodder did not reply at once.  So many seconds, indeed, went by that Mr. Atterbury began once more to grow slightly nervous under the strange gaze to which he was subjected.  And when the clergyman’ spoke there was no anger in his voice, but a quality—­a feeling which was disturbing, and difficult to define.