“What I learned in college of science and history and philosophy merely confirmed me in my agnosticism.  As a complete system for the making of atheists and materialists, I commend the education which I received.  If there is any man here who believes religion to be an essential factor in life, I ask him to think of his children or grandchildren before he comes forward to the support of Mr. Constable.

“In that sermon which he preached last Sunday, Mr. Hodder, for the first time in my life, made Christianity intelligible to me.  I want him to know it.  And there are other men and women in that congregation who feel as I do.  Gentlemen, there is nothing I would not give to have had Christianity put before me in that simple and inspiring way when I was a boy.  And in my opinion St. John’s is more fortunate to-day than it ever has been in its existence.  Mr. Hodder should have an unanimous testimonial of appreciation from this vestry for his courage.  And if the vote requesting him to resign prevails, I venture to predict that there is not a man on this vestry who will not live to regret it.”

Phil Goodrich glared at Eldon Parr, who remained unmoved.

“Permit me to add,” he said, “that this controversy, in other respects than doctrine, is more befitting to the Middle Ages than to the twentieth century, when this Church and other denominations are passing resolutions in their national conventions with a view to unity and freedom of belief.”

Mr. Langmaid, Mr. Plimpton, and Mr. Constable sat still.  Mr. Ferguson made no move.  It was Gordon Atterbury who rushed into the breach, and proved that the extremists are allies of doubtful value.

He had, apparently, not been idle since Sunday, and was armed cap-a pie with time-worn arguments that need not be set down.  All of which went to show that Mr. Goodrich had not referred to the Middle Ages in vain.  For Gordon Atterbury was a born school-man.  But he finished by declaring, at the end of twenty minutes (much as he regretted the necessity of saying it), that Mr. Hodder’s continuance as rector would mean the ruin of the church in which all present took such a pride.  That the great majority of its members would never submit to what was so plainly heresy.

It was then that Mr. Plimpton gathered courage to pour oil on the waters.  There was nothing, in his opinion, he remarked smilingly, in his function as peacemaker, to warrant anything but the most friendly interchange of views.  He was second to none in his regard for Mr. Hodder, in his admiration for a man who had the courage of his convictions.  He had not the least doubt that Mr. Hodder did not desire to remain in the parish when it was so apparent that the doctrines which he now preached were not acceptable to most of those who supported the church.  And he added (with sublime magnanimity) that he wished Mr. Hodder the success which he was sure he deserved, and gave him every assurance of his friendship.