"You say that because you do not know them and do not believe in them. Give me one year to make Christ Church what I would have it to be, and I will show you such a permanent turning to righteousness in this city on the part of those who hitherto have had no use for religion, as will astound the unbelievers in my methods."
His face glowed and his eyes shone with enthusiasm. No one, looking on him in that moment, could have doubted his intense earnestness. But to Westgate's practical and logical mind the rector's words carried no conviction. He was still calm and deliberate as he replied:
"Mr. Farrar, I did not come to argue with you concerning your theories or your conduct. The time for argument has passed, because your mind is irretrievably set. I came to make a simple request; that you should resign. I ask it for the good of Christ Church."
"I believe I am acting for the best good of Christ Church in refusing."
"That being your final answer there is no doubt but that the vestry as a body will demand your removal as rector."
The ultimatum had come at last, but it brought no surprise nor dismay. The rector smiled.
"That announcement," he said, "is not unexpected, nor does it disturb me in the least. I know what my rights are under the constitution and canons of the Church, and I shall seek to maintain them. I know also what my obligations are to the people to whom I minister, and to the Church to which I have made my ordination vows. Those obligations will not permit me either to abandon or to let myself be driven from the post to which God in His wisdom has seen fit to assign me."
"Then I am to carry back to the gentlemen who are associated with me your refusal and your defiance?"
"My regret rather, and my determination. I am
