A free nation must have a religion broad enough to embrace all mankind , deep enough to fathom and fill the human soul , high enough to reach the source of all love and wisdom , and pure enough to satisfy the wisest and the best . Alarm bells have been rung , anathemas pronounced , and Christians , forgetful of their creed , have abused one another heartily . But the truth always triumphs in the end , and whoever sincerely believes , works and waits for it , by whatever name he calls it , will surely find his own faith blessed to him in proportion to his charity for the faith of others . `` But look ! -- the first red streaks of dawn are in the East . Our vigil is over , and we must fly home to welcome in the holidays . Before we part , join with me , brothers , in resolving that through the coming year we will with all our hearts and tongues , -- '' ` Ring out the old , ring in the new , Ring out the false , ring in the true ; Ring in the valiant man and free , Ring in the Christ that is to be . ' '' LITTLE MEN LIFE AT PLUMFIELD WITH JO 'S BOYS CHAPTER I. NAT `` Please , sir , is this Plumfield ? '' asked a ragged boy of the man who opened the great gate at which the omnibus left him . `` Yes . Who sent you ? '' `` Mr. Laurence . I have got a letter for the lady . '' `` All right ; go up to the house , and give it to her ; she 'll see to you , little chap . '' The man spoke pleasantly , and the boy went on , feeling much cheered by the words . Through the soft spring rain that fell on sprouting grass and budding trees , Nat saw a large square house before him a hospitable-looking house , with an old-fashioned porch , wide steps , and lights shining in many windows . Neither curtains nor shutters hid the cheerful glimmer ; and , pausing a moment before he rang , Nat saw many little shadows dancing on the walls , heard the pleasant hum of young voices , and felt that it was hardly possible that the light and warmth and comfort within could be for a homeless `` little chap '' like him . `` I hope the lady will see to me , '' he thought , and gave a timid rap with the great bronze knocker , which was a jovial griffin 's head . A rosy-faced servant-maid opened the door , and smiled as she took the letter which he silently offered . She seemed used to receiving strange boys , for she pointed to a seat in the hall , and said , with a nod : `` Sit there and drip on the mat a bit , while I take this in to missis . ''
XXXXX found plenty to amuse him while he waited , and stared about him curiously , enjoying the view , yet glad to do so unobserved in the dusky recess by the door .
Christians Laurence Nat Plumfield anathemas first left missis right servant-maid