Hubert reviewed the articles of his newly formed financial creed, feeling that it was far from exhaustive, but that its principles must help to clear his vision as to the attitude a Christian man should take toward this world’s gain.  From the whole trend of the teaching he gathered that the true Gospel of Christ demanded a complete reversal of the generally accepted rudiments of worldly thrift, and that its key word for the use of money was not “get,” but “give.”  Sometimes he hesitated and turned pale before a radical step which he found his heart prompting, and again he looked at the possessions now in his own right and was glad he had so much to place at the absolute disposal of the Lord he loved.

“It is not a necessity,” he said.  “I may do as I will.  And I will to do that which will serve Him best.”

He read the text, “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”  Tears, to which his eyes were unused, made them glisten for a moment.  “Ah, if through my poverty some might be made forever rich!” he thought.

How to put in practice what he desired to do became a problem.  He went to his office with the sense of a new relationship to its business.  A new Proprietor sat at the desk with him, and, afraid to act rashly, on Him he wisely waited for the clear instructions which should show how best His interests might be served.

The new Proprietor looked on him and saw a man triumphing where the multitude of essaying disciples fail:  not in lofty ideals, not in emotional experiences, not in grand works undertaken; but in the prosiest, hardest spot—­albeit the touchstone of many a man’s consecration—­the money question.

CHAPTER XVI

THE MISSIONARY MEETING

It was early summer when the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society of Doctor Schoolman’s church was to have a public meeting.  On Sunday the faithful calendar announced it, and Doctor Schoolman made special mention of it, urging attendance.  A missionary home on furlough was to exercise a part of his “well-earned rest” in addressing the meeting.  It was to be held in the afternoon, but it was suggested that as many men of the congregation as possible unite with the ladies in giving welcome to one who had distinguished himself by faithful and valuable service on the foreign field.

The announcement was discussed in the Gray household and Hubert determined to join Winifred in attendance.

“Not that I believe much in it,” he said, “when here all about us, and especially in our large cities, there are plenty of objects for our commiseration quite as wretched, undoubtedly, as those in foreign countries.”

“No doubt,” said Winifred.  “It always seemed to me to be looking rather far afield for something to do.”