Sentence:  By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter <WSD>disciples</WSD> of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc.