Vicar William Smythe, formerly Bill Smith, is expecting a visit from his brother, the Bishop of Benares, and his rich brother-in-law, the Bishop of Lancaster, from whom he hopes to obtain funds to restore his antiquated church. Benares, however, enters the house in the guise of a servant, Manson, who bears a startling resemblance to the Christ. Robert, the third brother, is rude and uncivilized, but has sacrificed much for the education of his brothers and has received little but ingratitude from the vicar, who is now taking care of his daughter Mary. He is also bitter against the Church because the Bishop of Lancaster's neglect caused the death of his wife. After exposing the Bishop of Lancaster and turning him out of the house, Manson, through his generous spirit, effects a reconciliation among all the members of the family. Robert also becomes less antagonistic toward the Church, and the vicar volunteers to go down into the sewers and clean up the corruption beneath his church.