Mr World and Miss Church-Member | Page 8

a wisdom whose inward glory has lent its brightness to your eye, and
has given savor to your very words. If you continue in your present
state of liberality and broad-mindedness, you will not only share all that
I possess, but will wear a crown set with gems of truth."

CHAPTER III.
THE DEVIL'S OPTICAL COLLEGE.
1. The college described.
2. Mr. World and Miss Church-Member have their eyes examined, and
Miss Church-Member is supplied with lenses which warp her spiritual
vision.
3. The allegory shows how Satan supplies every conceivable kind of
lenses to suit the people of the world and the church.
4. Blackana, with deceptive words, attempts to defend Satan's course.
This institution of Satan has been in operation since the creation of man,
having been remodeled as often as advancement in style or skill
demanded.
Each one of the fourteen massive buildings was a gem of architectural
beauty, and was devoted to a special line of study or practice. The
entire group worked harmoniously toward the same end.
In the course of their journey Mr. World and Miss Church-Member
drew nigh to this great college, but the shrewd and wicked Mr. World
remained silent, waiting for the first words of his companion. Miss
Church-Member, however, as she looked upon the stupendous edifices,

was so filled with wonder and admiration at the long stretches of
masonry, and the perfect symmetry of parts, that she offered no
comment until they were quite near the first building.
"For what purpose is this group of great structures used?" were her
words that broke the brief silence.
"All for the sake of the eyes," he carelessly answered, as he called her
attention to the King's Highway and the throngs of people that were
admiring and entering the college from those parts.
"It is indeed wonderful," she commented, "that so small a thing as the
eye should demand the service of such great edifices."
"The buildings are not too large nor too well equipped. Your surprise
would not be so great were you to witness the large number from the
two great highways that come here daily for treatment. You can see
them now moving by thousands to and from the buildings. It might be
wise for us to enter for consultation. My eyes, at least, may need some
expert attention."
She, being anxious to see the interior of at least one of the buildings,
offered no objection to his shrewd suggestion.
The building was so easy of access that there was not one step to climb.
An electric elevator served to carry them to the sixty-fourth floor which
formed a part of the huge dome into which the upper portion of the
great structure converged. This style of architecture not only added to
the beauty of the appearance, but also proved to be perfectly adapted to
the uses of the college.
The confidence of Miss Church-Member was fully won by the
appearance of the interior and the courteous attention she received from
the managers.
The consulting physician examined the eyes of Mr. World, then
congratulated him upon the clear vision he enjoyed, and informed him
that his eyes required no immediate treatment.

Turning to one side, Mr. World whispered to his companion: "While
we are here you had better improve this opportunity and also get the
benefit of an expert opinion."
"I have not come prepared financially," she blushingly and faintly
replied. "I did not even dream of seeking the service of a specialist."
"That obstacle is easily overcome, for the examination is free, and if
you should need further attention and would wish to receive it, I would
deem it only a great pleasure to bear all the expenses."
After a brief, thoughtful silence she consented to the preliminary
examination. "Will you examine the eyes of my friend?" requested Mr.
World as he stepped toward the chief oculist.
The expert accordingly tested her sight. First he held up, at a distance,
the "Delusion of the New Jerusalem," but she was totally blind to it.
Then he submitted the "Deceptions of the Holy Bible" of which she
could again see nothing.
"Look through these windows to the Broad Highway, far out into the
distance over rolling stretches of country. Can you see the gates of
Heaven, at the end of the way?"
Miss Church-Member looked carefully, but declared that she could not
see anything that appeared like Heaven or the gates thereof.
"Can you see that place called 'Perfect Peace' along the Broad
Highway," continued the oculist as he pointed to a far-off region.
"I can see nothing that looks like it," she honestly confessed, quite
surprised to discover the existence of these apparent defects of her
vision.
"A very sad and extreme case," murmured the examiner as he requested
her to