Friendship with the World Begins

Now as birds of a feather will flock together, or magnets will attract one another, Mr. Hypocrisy began to draw those of his true likeness to himself, notwithstanding his beautiful teachings and his high profession. First came Miss Vanity, who carried herself so proudly. With her he was simply charmed, and soon announced their engagement; and although the faithful ones had been told that they must lay aside all the pride and display of the world, yet he was now so captivated with his new lady, that he demanded the faithful ones to fellowship with her whether or no. This brought confusion and a rustling about, as when a vulture swoops down among a flock of doves. This roused Mr. Sincerity, who, because of a feeling of security, had been taking a rest. But upon asking what the trouble might be, he was assured by Mr. Hypocrisy that the faithful ones, for some unknown reason, had become unruly, and were causing dissention, but that he would soon bring them to order again with a club which he kept for that purpose. (This club was an instrument made to appear as the true sword, and had written on its handle the words, “Unity and submission”; but he did not show this false sword to Mr. Sincerity.) So the faithful ones were for a time frightened into a forced unity and fear of the sin of division; and in the meanwhile Mr. Hypocrisy and Miss Vanity were bringing their courtship to a successful consummation.