Pittston Gazette

              ; ■* allev ', PA., FRIDAY, RUARY 16, 1900. A Weekly cuueu uiioaen gone. nruiuet man »» I to do far more than they nave yet done to wake use of the physical com! forts and luxuries of their houies for tlie blessing and Christianizing of this community. In this particular 1 have myself failed to set you an example. The fact that I have so failed is my only reason for making this matter pubyc this morning. "The situation In Milton today Is exceedingly serious. I do not need to prove It to you by figures. If any business man will go through the tenements, be will acknowledge my statements. If any woman will contrast those dens with her own home, she will, if Christ Is a power in her heart, stand In horror before such a travesty on the sacred thought of honor. The destitution of the neighborhood is alarming. The number of men out of work Is dangerous. The complete removal of all sympathy between the church up here on this street and the tenement district is sadder than death. Oh, my beloved"—Philip stretched out his arms and uttered a cry that rang In the ears of those who beard it and remained with some of them a memory for years—"these things ought not so to be! Where Is the Christ spirit with us? Have we not sat in our comfortable houses and eaten our pleasant food and dressed in the finest clothing and gone to amusements and entertainments without number while God's poor have shivered on the streets and his sinful ones have sneered at Christianity as they have walked by our church doors? Calvary church was stirred to its depths. There were more excited people talking together all over the church than Philip hart,ever seen before. He greeted several Strangers as usual and was talking with one of them, when one of the trustees came up and said the board would like to meet him, if convenient for him, as soon as he was at lilwrty. • preaching. Why, you know yourseit, Brother Winter. ■'.iat never has the pulpit of Calvarf chnrch heard such preaching on people's private affairs." my own charges?" went over the ground be was almost overwhelmed to think how little had been really accomplished. This time The question came with perfect simplicity, bat It smote Philip almost U|« a blow. It was spoken with rnlmnqpi that hardly rose above a whisper, t)gt It seemed to the listener almost like a shout The thought of giving up 1ga work simply because his church not yet done what he wished or treatise some of his people did not l%e htm was the last thing a man o(-j|i nature would do. He looked again ft the man and said: "Would you resign if you were In nr place?" "No." It was so quietly spoken thfft Philip almost doubted If his visitor had replied. Then he said, "What hgp; been done with the parsonage V "It Is empty. The church is waiting to rent It to some one who expects tp move to Milton soon." "Are you sorry you came here?" "No. I am happy in my work." "Do you have enough to eat aif Philip exclaimed, and hi* wife came in. "They have no right to compel yon to live here." Mr. Winter turned to the other members of the committee. "I said so at our previous meeting. Gentlemen, am I not right in that?" m A "So our queer guest has flown! He mast have been very still about It I heard no noise. Where do you suppose he isT And who do you suppose be lsf" he came before the church with Mr. Winter colored and replied angrily: "What has that to do with this present matter? If the minister wants to live in a simpler styte, I don't see what business we have to stop it. As to the disposition of the parsonage, that Is a matter of business which rests with the church to arrange." experience of nearly three weeks' 1 U111/11 VI • mmm • • "It is not a question of our compelling Mr. Strong to live here," said one of the others. "It is a question of the church's expecting him to do so. It is the parsonage and the church home for the minister. In my opinion it will cause trouble if Mr. Strong moves out. People will not understand It." to hand work among the people for whose sake he had moved out of the parsonage. As usual an Immense congregation thronged the church. "Are you sure there ever wm such a person, Philip? Don't you think you dreamed all that about the 'Brother Man? " Mrs. Strong had not quite forgiven Philip for his skeptical questioning of the reality of the man with the lantern who had driven the knife into the desk. Hi Author of "The question has come to me lately in different forms," began Philip, "as to what is church work. 1 am aware that my attitude on the question is not shared by many of the members of Philip accordingly waited In one of the Sunday school classrooms with the trustees, who had met immediately after the sermon a*d decided to have an Instant confererife with the pastor. CHAltTER XIII. The door of the classroom was closed, and Philip and the trustees were together. There was a moment of embarrassing silence, and then the spokesman for the board, a nervous little man, said: Oopyv • • • mmm 1899, bff J%e Advan !»*• "■ The nervous. Irritable little man who had spoken oftenest rose to his feet and exclaimed: "You can count me out of all this, then. I wash my hands of the whole affair." And he went out of the room, leaving the rest of the board ■omewhat surprised at his sudden departure.this church and other churches. Nevertheless I stand here today, as I have stood on these Sundays, to declare to you what In deepest humility would seem to me to be the attitude of Christ in the matter before us. "Yes, It's your turn now, Sarah. Weil, If our 'Brother Man' vu a dream he was the most curious dream this family ever had, and If he was crazy be was the most remarkable Insane person I ever saw." "That Is my belief, too, Mr. Strong," said Mr. Winter. "It would be better for you to modify or change or, better still, to abandon this plan. It will not be understood and will cause trouble." ■v! "t are living in tnis prince; other people have not their beads." ■# P"P ■■ i i where to lay this morning," le Mrs. Strong the small table to the room. I yoaf' asked Philip, because be could not think of anything wiser to Again Philip felt the same temptation to anger steal tnto him, and again be checked himself at the thought: "The man Is certainly Insane. The whole thing Is simply absurd. I will jet rid of him. And yet"— He coutd not shake off a strange and powerful Impression which the stranjer's words bad made upon him. Crazy )r not, the man had hinted at the posdbllity of an Insincerity on his. part which made him restless. He determined to question him and see If h# really would develop a ptreak of Insanity that would Justify him in getting rid of him for the night. They remained about a quarter of an hour longer discussing the patter, and finally, at Mr. Winter's suggestion, a committee was appointed to go and see the minister the next evening and see If he could not be persuaded to modify or change his proposltipn made In the morning sermon. The rest of the trustees Insisted that Mr. Winter himself should act as chairman of the committee, and after some reiiftnstrance he finally, with great reluctance, agreed to do so. "Suppose the church should rent the parsonage then," suggested Philip. "It would then be getting a revenue from the property. That, with the thousand dollars on my salary, conld be wisely and generously used to relieve much suffering in Milton this winter. The church could easily rent the house." "What is a church? It is a body of disciples professing to acknowledge Christ as Master. What does he want such a body to do? Whatever will most effectively make God's kingdom come on earth and his will be done as in heaven. What is the most necessary work of this church In Milton? It Is to go out and seek and save the lost. It is to take up its cross and follow the Master. And as I see him today he beckons this church to follow him into the tenements and slums of. this town and be Ohrlsts to those who do not know him. As I see hjm be "Of course he was crazy. Ail that he said about our living so extravagantly I" "Mr. Strong, we hardly know just what to say to this proposition of yours this morning about going out of the parsonage and turning It into an orphan asylum. But it is certainly a very remarkable proposition, and we felt as if we ought to meet you at oncc and talk It over." "Do you think he was crazy In that particular?" asked Philip In a strange voice. His wffe noticed it at the time, but Its true significance did not become real to her until afterward. He went to the front door and found It was unlocked. Evidently the guest had gone out that way. The heavy storm of the night had covered up any possible signs of footsteps. It was still snowing furiously."Yes, indeed. The thousand dot which the church refused to take my salary goes to help where n needed. The rest Is more eno for us." "Does your wife think so?" * question from any one else had fa Impertinent. From this man It 1 not. "Let us call her in and ask her," "Yes," said the strange visitor simply. He was so silent after saying this one word that Philip did what he never was in the habit of doing. He always shrank back sensitively from ■asking for an opinion of his preaching from any one except his wife. But now he could not help saying: "What did you think of ltr "It was one of the best sermons I ever heard. But somehow It did not sound sincere." That was true, as the parsonage stood on one of the most desirable parts of B street and would command good rental. "It's simply impossible." spoke uiD one of the trustees. "In the first place, it is as,a business propo sitlon." "Then you persist In this plan of yours, do you, Mr. Strong?" asked the third member ef the committee, who had for 'the most part been silent. So Philip next evening, as he sat In his study mapping out the week's work and wondering a little what the church would do in thf face of his proposal, received the committee, welcoming them in his bright, hearty manner. He had been notified on Sunday evening of the approaching conference. The committee consisted of Mr. Winter and two other members of the board. "Do you think so?" asked Phllij quietly. puea rnuip, witn a smile. "Sarah, the Brother Man wants know if yon have enough to lire on.' Sarah came in and sat down. It w dark. The year was turning Into t softer months of spring, and aD t outdoor world bad been a benedicti that evening if the sorrow and povej and sin of the tenement district near had not pervaded the very wa and atmosphere of the entire pte The minister's wife answered bw iy: "Yes, we have food and clothl "Brother Man," be said, using the term his guest had given him, "do you think I am living too extravagantly to live as I do?" Philip went into his study for the forenoon as usual, but be did very little writing. His wife could bear him pacing the floor restlessly. "Yes; I consider that under the circumstances, local and universal. It la my duty. Where I propose to go la a house which I can get for $8 a month. It is near the tenement district and not so far from the church and this neighborhood that I need be isolated too much from my church family." stands beckoning with pierced in the direction of suffering and disease and ignorance and vice and paganism, saying, 'Here is where the work of Calvary church lies.' I do not believe the work of this church consists in having so many meetings and socials and pleasant gatherings and delightful occasions among its own members, but the real work of this church consists in getting out of its own little circle In which it has been so many years moving and going in any way most effective to the world's wounded to bind up the hurt and be a savior to the lost. If we do not understand this to be the true meaning of church work, then I believe we miss its whole meaning. Church work In Milton today does not consist in doing simply what yotir fathers did before you. It means helping to make a cleanfir town, thp nnrtfl ration of oiir mnnirlpal life, the actual planning and accomplishment of means to relieve physical distress, a thorough understanding of the problem of labor and capital—in brief, church work today in this town Is whatever Is moat needed to be done to prove to this town that we are what we profess ourselves to be, disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the reason I give more time to the tenement district problem than to calling on families that are well and in possession of great comforts and privileges. That Is the reason I call on this church to. do Christ's work In his name and give itself to save that part of our town." "It is ont of the. question!" said thi first speaker excitedly. "The cliurcJ will never listen to It Id the world. Fo my part, if Brother Strong wishe; to"- "What?" exclaimed Philip almost angrily. If there was one thing he felt sure about. It was the sincerity .ftf his preaching. Then be checked his feeling as he thought how fooling it would be to get angry at a passing tramp who was probably a little out of his mind. Yet the man's remark had a strange power over him. He tried to shake it off as be looked harder at him. The man looked over at Philip and repeated gravely, shaking bis head, "Not sincere." About 10 o'clock he came down stairs and declared his intention of going out into the storm to see if he couldn't settle down to work better. "It is true we have given money to charitable causes, It Is true the town council has organized a bureau for the care and maintenance ot those in want. It Is true members of Calvary church, with other churches at this time, have done something to relieve the immediate distress of the town, but how much have we given of ourselves to those In need? Do we reflect that to reach souls and win them, to bring back humanity to God and thj Christ, the Christian must do somcning different from the giving of money now and then? He must give a part of himself. That was my reason for urging you to move this church building away from this street Into the tenement district, that we might give ourselves to the people there. The Idea Is the same in what I now propose. But you will pardon me If first of all I announce my own action, which, I believe, is demanded by the times and would be approved by our Lord." "Yes, In these times and after such a lennon." "What would you have me do?" Philip asked the question half seriously, half amused at himself for asking advice from such a source. At that moment the sexton knocket; at the door and said a man was outsit!' very anxio'us to see the minister anC: have him come down to his house There had been an accident or a fight or something. Some one was dyinj: and wanted Mr. Strong at once. So Philip hastily excused himself and went ont, leaving the trustees together. Be went out and did not return until the middle of the afternoon. Mrs. Strong was a little alarmed. Mr. Winter looked serious and perplexed. The other trustees looked dissatisfied. It was evident they regarded the whole thing with disfavor. » Mr. Winter opened the conversation with considerable embarrassment and an evident reluctance for his share In the matter. "Do as you preach that others ought to." "Where have you been all this time, Philip? In this terrible storm too! You are a monument of snow. Stand out here In the kitchen while I sweep you off." Again that silence fell over the room. And again Philip felt the same Impression of power in the stpange man's words. "Mr. Strong, we have come, as you are aware, to talk oVer your proposition of yesterday morning concerning the parsonage. It was a great surprise to us all." Mr. Winter rose abruptly. He could not avoid a feeling of anger in spite of his obligation to the minister. He also had a vivid recollection of his former Interview with the pastor In that study. And yet he struggled with the vague resistance against the feeling that Philip was proposing to do a thing that could result in only one way—of mifrorlna tar himself With «J1 the went a suppressed but conscious emotion of wonder that a man would of his own free will give up a luxurious home for the sake of any one. J life Is wearing 700 C Brother Man," she continue ' rolled over her cheek, * la giving his ilfeblood jDle, and they do not car vain sacrifice." She had 1 frankly as If the old man her father. There was a in him which called out s Mrs. Strong came back into the room, and Philip motioned her to sit down near him while he said, "And what make* you think I was not sincere?" The door was hardly shut again when the speaker who had been interrupted jumped to his feet and exclaimed:Philip obediently stood still while his wife walked around him with a broom and good naturedly submitted to being swept down, "as If I were being worked into shape for a snow man," he said. ter The "Brother Man," as he wished to be called, bowed his head between his hands again, and Mrs. Strong whispered to her husband: "Now It is certainly worse than foolish to keep this up any longer. The man is Evidently insane. We cannot keep him here all night He will certainly do something terrible. Get rid of bim, Philip. This may be a trick on the part of the whisky men." Philip smiled a little. "Mrs. Strong says I act too much on impulse and do not prepare people enough for my statements. But one of the greatest W.kV 2S stantly if there was no doubt of its being a right one." "You said the age in which we lived demanded that people live in a far simpler, less extravagant style." "As I was saying, for my part If Brother Strong wishes to indulge in this eccentric action he will not have the sanction of my vote In the matter. It certainly is an entirely unheard of and uncalled for proposition." "Yea, that is what I said. I believe It, too," replied Philip, clasping his bands over his knee and gazing at his singular guest with earnestness. The man's thick white hair glistened in the ppen firelight like spun glass. 'ftlnji you said that Christ would not approve of people spending money for flowers, food and dress on those who did not need It when it could more wisely be expended for the benefit of those who were in want" "Where have you been? Give an account of yourself." dence. Mr. Strong soothed his wife her to him tenderly. "Thei you are nervous and tired. I tie discouraged, bat strong ai (or the work. Brother Man, "I have been seeing how go me other people live. Sarah, the 'Brother Man' was not so very crazy after all. He has more than half converted me." "And do you consider this proposed move of yours a right one, Mr. Strong?" asked Mr. Winter. "Mr. Strong has no doubt a generous motive in this proposed action," said a third member of the board, "but the church certainly will not approve any ■uch step as the giving up of the parsonage. He exaggerates the need of such a sacrifice. 1 think we ought to reason him out of the idea." "The matter of reduction of salary, Mr. Strong, will have to come before the church. The trustees cannot vote to accept your proposal. I am very much mistaken if the members of Calvary church will not oppose the reduction. You can see how It would place us In an unfavorable light." Never in all his life had Philip been so puzzled to knfew what to do with a human being. Here was one, the strangest he had ever met, who bad come into his house; It Is true be had been invited, but once within he had invited himself to stay all night and then had accused his entertainer of living too extravagantly and called him an insincere preacher. Add to all this the singular fact that he had declared bis name to be "Brother Man" and that he spoke with a calmness that was the very Incarnation of peace, and Philip's wonder reached its limit. "Did yon find out anything about him?" "I do," replied Philip, with quiet emphasis. "I do not regret making It, and I believe it is my duty to abide by my original decision." Philip stepped up nearer the front of the platform and spoke with an added earnestness and power which thrilled pvery hearer. A part of the great conflict through which he bad gone that past month shone out In bis pale face *nd found partial utterance in his Impassioned speech, especially as he flreyr near the end. ' The very abruptness of his proposition smote the people into breathless attention. "Yes; several of the older citizens here recognized my description of him. They Bay he is harmless and has quite 4 history; was once a wealthy mill Owner in CUnton. He wanders about the country, living with any one who will take him In. It is a queer case. I must find out more Cbout him. But I'm hungry. Can I have a bite of something?"auu iiieo weir remaraaoie stretched ont his arms throngl gathering gloom In the room and i ed to bless them. Later In the lng he again called for a Bible offeree a prayer of wondrous s ness. He was shown to his plaint nished room. He looked arounc smiled. "Thlj la like my old home," he "a palace, where the poor die of ger." Philip started at the odd rei "Do you mean that you intend actually to move out of this parsonage?" asked one of the other members of the committee. "We called Mr. Strong to the pastorate of Calvary church," said another, "and it seems to me he came under the conditions granted if our call. For the church to allow such an absurd thing as the giving up of the parsonage to this proposed outside work would be a very unwise move." "Yea. Those were not my exact Words, but that was my Idea.** "Not necessarily, Mr. Winter," said Philip eagerly. "If the church will simply regard it as my own great desire and as one of the wkys by which we may help forward our work in Milton, I am sure we need have no fear of being put In a false light. The church does not propose this reduction. It comes from me and in a time of peculiar emergency, both financial and social. It Is a thing which has been done several times by other ministers.""Yes." Philip said it so quietly and yet so decidedly that the men were silent a moment. Then Mr. Winter said: "Your Idea. Just so. And yet we bave bad here In this little lunch, oc, §8 you called It, a 'bite of something,' three different klnda of meat, two kinds p| bread, hothouse grapes and the rich- "Haven't you had dinner?" "No; haven't bad time." "Where have you been?" "Among tte tenements." "How are the people getting on there?" "Tne parsonage in wuicu i am living Is a large, even a luxurious, dwelling. It has nine large rooms. You are familiar with Its furnishings. The salary this church pays me is $2,000 a year, a sum which more than provides for my necessary wants. What I have decided to do is this: I wish this church to reduce tWS "alary one-half and take the other thousand dollars to the fitting VP the parsonage for a refuge for homeless children or for some such purpose whifh will commend Itself to your best Judgment There Is money enough in this church alone to maintain such an institution handsomely and not a single member of Calvary suffer any hardship whatever. I will move into a house nearer the lower part of the town, where I can more easily reach after the people and live more among them. That is what } propose for myself. It is not because I believe the rich and' the educated do pot need the gospel or the church. The rich and the poor both need the life jnore abundantly, Put | am firmly Convinced that as matters now ere the church membership through pulpit and pew Q)U8t BCve itself more than in the later ages of the world It has done for the sake of winning men; The form of self denial must take a definite, physical, genuinely sacrificing shape. The church get back to the apostolic' ip some particulars and ftn adaptation of community of goods and a sharing of certain aspects of civilization must mark the church membership of the coming twentieth century. An object lesson In self dftC nial largfi enough for men to see. « felt denUU that Actually gives up luxtihes, giotiey and even pleasures— tMa la the kind that wfyl make much lmpro*4tan on the people. I believe if Christ was on earth he would again call for titfi fsnresnton of loyalty to bint- He would again say, 'So likewise whosoever he be of you that forsaketb not all that be hath, he cannot be my disciple.' "Mr. Strong, this matter is likely to cause trouble in the church, and we might as well understand It frankly. The trustees believe that as the parsonage belongs to the church property and was built for the minister he ought to live in it. The church will not understand your desire to move out." This is but the briefest of the sketches of Philip's sermon. It was a part of himself, his experience, his heart belief. He poured It out on the vast audlesae with little saving of his vitality. And that Sunday he went home at night exhausted, with a feeling of weariness partly due to his work during the'week among the people. The calls upon his time and strength had been Incessant, and he did not know where or when to stop. It was three weeks after this sermon on church work that Philip was again surprised by his strange visitor* of a month before. He had been out making some visits in .company with his wife. When they came back to the house, there sat the Brother Man on the doorstep. eat kind of milk." "Yes, and more than that," said the first speaker, "I want to say very frankly that I am growing tired of the way things have gone since Mr. Strong came to us. What busluesa has Calvary church with all these outside matters, these labor troubles and unemployed men and all the other matters that have been made the subject of preaching lately? I want a minister who looks after his own parish. Mr. Strong does not call on bis own people. He has not been inside my house but once since be came to Milton. Brethren, there Is a growing feeling of discontent over this matter." The man said all this la the quietest, calmest manner possible, and Philip stared at him, more assured than ever that be was a little crazy. Mrs. Strong looked amused and said, "You seemed to enjoy the lunch pretty well." The man bad eaten with a zest that was redeemed from greediness only by a delicacy of manner that no tramp ever bbMesaed. madam," said tbe man, '•perhaps thiff caie where the food was given to oae who stood really In need of It" In response to bis wife's appeal Philip rose abruptly and went to the front door. He opened it, and a whirl of snow danced in. The wind had changed, and the moan of a coming heavy storm was in tbe air. "I cannot tell. It almost chokes me to eat when I think of It" "Now, Philip, what makes you take It so seriously? How can you help all that suffering? You are not to blame for It" "I u "Maybe I am for a part pf it But Whether I am or pot there the suffering Is. And I don't know that we ought to ask who la to blame in aucb cases. At any rate, supposing the fathers and mothers In the tenements are to blame themselves by their own sinfulness, does that make innocent children and helpless babes any warmer or better clothed and fed? Sarah, I have seen things in these fonr hours' time that make me want to Join the bomb throwers of Europe almost." "That may be. Still, I am positive Calvary church will regard it aa unnecessary and will oppose it." The moment that he opened the door his strange guest also arose, and putting on his bat he said, as be moved elowly toward tbe hqll: "I must be gq: Ing. I thank you for your hospitality, madam." "Do you understand It, Mr. Winter?" Philip put the question point blank. "It will not make any difference practically," replied Philip, with a smile. "I can easily dispose of a thousand dollars where it is needed by others more than by me. But I would prefer that the church would actually pay out the money to them rather than myself." "No, I don't know that I do wholly." Mr. Winter colored and replied In a hesitating manner. t U1«V M UC WCUl UUl. "Good night, Christ's his guest And Pt that night, C in him and the " Philip stood holding tbe door partly open. He was perplexed to know Just what to do or say. "I gave my reasons yesterday morning. I do not know that I can make them plainer. The truth Is I cannot go on preaching to my people about living on a simpler basis while I continue to live in surroundings that on the face of them contradict my own convictions. In other words, I am living beyond my necessities here. I have lived all my life surrounded by the luxuries of civilization. If now I desire to give these benefits to those who have never enjoyed them or to know from nearer contact something of the bitter struggle of the poor, why should 1 be hindered from putting desire into practical form?" l" iD Philip started as if he had auddenly caught a meaning from the man's words which he had not before heard la them. - There was a short pause, and then one of the members said: "Where will you atay tonight? Where is your home?" Mr. Winter and the other trustees looked at Philip in wonder, and with a few words of farewell they left the parsonage. . "My home Is with my friends," replied the man. He laid his band on the door, opened It and had stepped one foot oat on the porch when Philip, aelged with an Impulse, laid his hand on hia arm, gently but strongly palled him babk Into the ball, shat  and placed his back against it "Y6u cannot go out Into this storm until I know whether you have a place tq go tpfor the ijlghf." The man hesitated curiously, shuffled his feet on the mat, pat his hand op to his face and passed It across bis eyes with a gesture of great weariness. "Surely if Mr. Strong feels dissatisfied with his surrounding" In. the ptrsouage or feels as if his work lay In another direction be la at liberty to choose another parish. But he is the finest pulpit minister we ever had, and no one dpulDta his entire sincerity. He is a remarkable man tu many respects,"At sight of htm Philip felt that same thrill of expectancy which had passed over him at his former appearance. , The old man stood up and took off his hat He looked very tired and sorrowful. But there breathed from his entire bearing the element of a perfect peace. "Do you think it waa an extravagant lunch then?" he asked, with a very alight laugh. The man looked straight at Philip (UwrepUed slowly, "¥es, for the times |n which 'weaver " A. sodden silence fell on the group of Jtfee 14 the parlor ot the parsonage, ighted hp by the soft glow of the coal Ire. No one except a person thorough* frnjlllar wffo the fad character CDf 'hlllp Strong could have told why that silence fell on bim Instead of a careless laugh at the crazy remark of a half wltted stranger tramp. Just how long the silence lasted be did not know; only, when It was broken, he found himself saying: The following week Calvary church held a meeting. It was one of the stormiest meetings ever held by the members. In that meeting Mr. Winter again, to the surprise of nearly all, advised caution and defended the minister's action up to a certain point The result was a condition of waiting and expectancy rather than downright condemnation of the proposed action on Philip's part It would be presenting the church in a false light to picture U as entirely opposed up to this date to Philip's preaching and Ideas of Christian living. He had built up a strong buttress of admiring and believing members in the church. This stood, with Mr. Winter's influence, as a breakwater against the tidal wave of opposition now beginning to pour in upon him. There was an element In Calvary church conservative -to ad«* gree and yet strong U) It® growing belief that Christian action and church work In the world had reached a certain crisis which would result either In the death or life of the church In America. Philip's preaching had strengthened this feeling. His last move had startled this element and it wished to wait for developments. The proposal of some that the minister be requested to resign was finally overruled, and It was decided not to oppose his desertion of the parsonage, while the matter of reduction of salary was voted upon in the negative. But feeling was roused to a high Jiitch. Many of the members declared heir intention of refusing to attend services, Some said they would not pay their pledges any longer. A prevailing minority, however, ruled In fa-.( vor of Philip, and the action of the meeting was formally sent him by the CHAPTER XIV. Mrs. Strong pfcme Up behind bis cbair Cs be sat at the table eating and placed er hand on his brow. She grew more anxious every day over hi* growing personal fee)lng for others. It seemed tp her It was becoming a passion with blm, wearing bim out, and ahe feared Its results as winter deepened and the strike In the mills remained unbroken. to see "Brother Man," said PhJHp cheerily, "come in and reet yourself." next time. The following, Sunday ' ed one of those sermons a man once or twice in try. It was the last month and not a speolt there had surged into meaning of the such uncontroll mon reached he ed. He remaii service to talk i who seemed n After they had i themselves he "Yes, but sincerity may be a very awkward thing carried too far. And in this matter of the parsonage I don't see how the trustees can allow t{. Why, what would the other think of it? Calvary church cannot allow anything of the kind for the sake of Its reputation. But 1 would like to hear Mr. Winter's opinion. He has not spoken yet." "Can you keep me overnight?" 'The question Is, Mr. Strong," said one of the other trustees, "whether this is the best way to get at it We do not question your sincerity nor doubt The question was put wistfully. Philip was struck by the difference between this almost shrinking request and the self invitation of a month before."You cannot do more than one man, Philip," she said, with a sigh. , : "No, but if I can only make the church see Its duty *t Wwe Md act {he Christlike way a great many .persons will be saved." He dropped bis knife and /ork, wheeled around abruptly In bis chair and faced her with the question, "Would you give up this home and 6e content to Jlvp lq 4 simpler fashion than we been used |p since we camfeliereT? "Yes," replied his wife quietly. "I will go anywhere and anything jrUh yoy. What Is it you are thinking of now?"1 "Yes, Indeed. We hav,p one spare room for yon. Tou are welcome. Come in." "Man, who are you? Where are you from? And what Is your name?" 1 Bis guest tinned his bead a little and replied: "When you called me in here, you stretched out your hand and called ine "brother.' Just now you called me fcy the great ternft 'man,' These are g? 10 TPS? We 'Brother The rest turned to the mill 0Wn&{. who, as chairman of the board, usually had much say and was regarded as a shrewd and careful business adviser. In the excltemeqt Of tit* pension and CUscus«ion the usual formality of a regular board meeting had been ignored. at the So they went in, and . after tea the two sat down together while Mrs. Strong was busy in the kitchen. ▲ part of this conversation was afterward related by the minister to his wife, A part of it he afterward said was unreportable—the manner of tone, the inflection, the gesture of his remarkable guest no man could reproduce.Mb own room back of the pi get something he had left the his surprise found the chun kneeling down by one of tl As the minister came In the r ♦'Well, then, 'Brother Man,'" said Fbllip, smiling a little to thipk of the ▼try strangeness of the whole affair, "your reason for thinking 1 was not sincere In my sermon this morning was because of the extravagant lunch this evening?" Mr. Winter was evidently embarrassed. He had listened to the discussion of the minister with his head bent down and his thoughts in a whirl of emotion both for and against the pastor, His naturally Inclined business habits contended against the proposition to give up the parsonage, pis feelings of gratitude to tfca minister for pergonal help the night of the attack bv the mob rose up to defend him. There was with it all an undercurrent of self administered rebuke that the paster had set the whole church an example of usefulness. He wai\dwed how many of the jnetflh$r§ Vwutd yoluntarily give up 'half their Incomes for the good of humanity. He wondered in a confused way how much he would give up himself. PhUlp'a sermon had made a real Impression on and turned toward him. "Mr. Strong, I want to be a Christian. I want to Join the church and ' lead a different life." Philip clasped his hand, while team rolled over the man's face. He staid and talked with him and prayed with him, and when he finally went home the minister was convinced it was as strong and true a conversion as he had ever seen. He at once related the story to his wife, who had gone on before to get dinner. "Why, Philip," she exclaimed when he said the sexton wanted to be baptised and unite with the church at the next communion, "Calvary church will never allow him to unite with us!" "Why notr asked Philip In amassmentMl need a little more time. There Is a crisis near at hand in my thought of what Christ would require of me. My dear, I am sure we Bhall be led by the spirit of truth to do what Is omro* find for the better saving of men.",'1-' '•• He kissed bis wife tenderly and1 went UP stairs again to his work. Alj through the rest of the ftftepflWW anq jp the pveping, as he shaped) hlq phurph find pulpit work, the word" of the ''Brother Man" rang In his ears and the situation at the tenements rose in the successive panoramas before his eyes. As the storm Increased in fury with the coming darkness, he felt that It was typical In a certain spipe ot his own He abandoned the Work ho had been doing at hts desk, and kheelfng down at his couch he prayed. Mrs. Strong, coming up to the study to see bow 111? WM *ettin$ pn, found hlqt kneeling there and went and knelt' beside blip, while together they sought the light through the storm. "You have moved since I saw you last," said the visitor. "Yes,** replied Philip. "You did not expect me to act on your advice so soon?" "AU this tg wtyt I call on the. members of church to do. Do I say that jrou ought to abandon your owh hoftsea and live somewhere else? Nq- I can d?cjCte only for myself in a matter pj that kind! Put this much I do say; dive ourselves in some genuine way to save this town from its evil wretchedness. It is not so mueh your money as your own soul that the sickness of the world needs. This plan has occurred to me: Why could not every family ft tfci* church become a savior {Q' tfeine other family, interest itself in the other, know the extent of Its wants as far as possible, go to It in person, let the Christian h?n\e pomy Into $ctuai vrith the un-Christiau—In short become a natural savior to one family t fire dozens $f families m this that eould do that It would take money. It would take time. It would mean real self denial. It would call for all your Christian grace and courage, but what does this church pieuibership and church life piean If not lust such sacrifice? We cannot give anything to this age q| more value than our own selvea. irhe tfforld of siO| and want and defpair aqd disbelief is not hungering for money or mission schools or charity balls or state institutions for the relief of distress, but for live, pulslqg, loving Christian meR women why peach out live, warm hands, who are filling to go and give themselves, who will abandon If necessary, If Christ calls for It, the luxuries they have theOC many years enjoyed in order that the bewildered, discontented, unhappy, sinrul creatines pf earth may actually Jenru of the love of (SJod through the love of man. And that Is the only way the world ever has learned of the love of God, HW' manity brought that iQYP to the heart of the pace, and it will opnttuue so to d9 uqtli this earth's tragedy is all played and {he last light put out. Members of Calvary church, I call on y«U in Christ's name this day to do something for your Master that will really show the world that you are what you say you are when you claim to be a disciple pf that one who, although he was rich, yet for our Hakes became popr, giving up all heaven's glory In exchange for all earth's misery, the end of which was a cruel and bloody crucifixion. Are we Christ's disciples unless we are willing to follow him in this particular? We are not our own. We are bought with a price." "Not altogether. There are other realtoris." Jbe man suddenly bowed his head between bis hands, ant} Philip's wife Whispered to him: 'Philip, Vhat la'the pse of talking with a crazy pnap f fou are firra, ana 11 is time 10 put out Dhe pght® and go to be«(. Gef pirn out of the house now u soon as FW CM," "My advice?" The question came in a hesitating tone. "Did I advise yon to move? Ah. yea, I remember!" k light Uke sunremest reason flashed over the man's face and then died out. "Yes, yes; you are beginning to live on your simpler basis. You are doing as you preach. That muat feet good." "Ton can count me o&t of all this, then." your hppeaty. but will your leaving the parsonage and living In a less expensive house on half your present salary help your church work or reach more people arid save more souls?" "Yes," replied Philip. 'It does feel good. Do yon think, Brother Man, that this will help to solve the problem?" Philip stood hpwtntf the etoor partly open. Tbere was a look of loneliness and of unknown sorrow about bis whole figure that touched Philip's keenly sensitive spirit Irresistibly. If the man was a little oat of his right mind, be was probably b$rjplps#, They " C?ould not turn blm out Into the night If be had nowhere to go. The stranger raised his head and went on talking just as If he had not broken off abruptly. "J am glad you put it that way," exclaimed £hillp, eagerly turning to the speaker. "That Is Jfu&t it. Will my proposed move result In bringing the church and the minister into closer and more vital relations with the people most in need of spiritual and physical1 uplifting? Out of tfye depths of my nature I Relieve It wilL The chasm between the church and the people in these days must be bridged by the spirit of sacrifice in material things.. It is In vaip for us to preach spiritual truths unless we Uve physical truths. What the world Is looking for today are object lessons In self denial on the part of Christian people." "Wh»t problem?" "Other reasons. In your sermon you tell the people they ought to live less "Why, the problem of the church and the people—winning them, saving them." "Because he is a negro," replied his wife. luxuriously. Yon point thern to the iltuatlou In this town where thousands bf men are out of work. Xou call attention to the jfroat poverty and dlstregp*fll over the world, and yon say ttropi flemapd that people \l?e far simpler, less extravagant Uvea. And y*h ere yon Jive yourself like a prince. Like a prtnoe," he repented after a peculiar gesture, which seemed to include not only what was In the room, but all that was In the house. Philip glanced-at his wife as people do when they suspect a thlrt? person , being out of his mind to'd saw that her expression was very much like his own feeling, altbongh not exactly. Then they both glanced aronnd the room. It certainly did look luxurious, even If not princely. The parsonage was an old mansion which had once belonged to a wealthy but eccentric captain. He bad built to please himself, something after the colonial fashion, and large square rooms, generous fireplaces, with quaint mantels and tiling and hard wood floors gave the house an appearance of wild comfort thjit approached luxury. The church In Milton had purchased the property from the heirs, who had betamo In minAn* fcnd parted w|th the bouse for a sum little representing its real worth. It had been changed a little and modernteed, although the old flreptypea still fft malned, and one spare room, an annex to the bouse proper, had been added recently. There was an air of decided comfort, bordering on luxury, In the different pieces of furniture and the whole appearance of the room. "You understand," said Philip, as his glance traveled back to his visitor, "that this bouse Is not mine. It belongs to my church. It is tbe parson age, and I am simply living la It as "There is one point we have not discussed yet." he said at last, (1aud that is Mr. gtrong'a offer of half his salary to carry on the work of a children's refuge or something of that kind." clerk, "Are your church members moving out of their elegant houses and coming down here to Uve?" The old man asked the question in utmost simplicity. "No; I did not ask them." •You ought to." Meanwhile Philip moved out of the parsonage into his new quarters. The dally paper, which had given a sensational account of his sermon, laying most stress upon his voluntary proposition referring to his salary, now came out with a column and a half devoted to his cai*rylng out of his determination to abandon the parsonage and get nearer the people in the tenements. The article was widely copied and variously commented upon. In Milton bis action was condemned by many, defended by some. Very few seenred to understand his exact motive. The majority took It as aa eccentric move and expressed regret In one form and another that a man of such marked Intellectual power as Mr. Strong seemed to possess lacked balance and good iudgment. Some called him a crank. The people in the tenement district were too much absorbed In their sufferings and selfishness to show any j demonstration. It remained to be seen j whether they would be any better touched by him In his new home. Philip stood a moment in silence, with his hat in his hand, looking at his wife as she spoke. (to ax ooimironxj "Brother Man," said Philip gently, "would you like to stay her? tonight? Have you anywhere else tP stay?" "You are afraid I will do barm. But, no. See. ub alt d9WBs" "How can we accept such an offer? Calvary church has always believed in paying its minister a good salary and paying It promptly, and we want our minister to live decently and be able to appear «ta he should among the best people,1' replied the nervous little man who had been first to speak. "What! Do you believe my people ought literally to leave their possessions and live among the people?" A t rmptMMT •C Lite.  To lir» content with null MM, To MkdC|UK» rather than luxury, ( » rather than tuhion; — Te h* worthy, not limply reepectaM* And wealthy, not •Imply rich; _ - To (tody hud. think quietly, — Talk cwtly, act frankly; IV) listen with open haart to blrdi and Itari, ■ To babaa and aa«ca; J To baar all cheerfully, do all bra rely, , J Await occaalona, nerer hurry— In a word, to lot the spiritual lite Grow op through and above the wemna- 1 That la my "aympbony of life." ] —W. K. Channlng. I He laid hi* bat on tbe table, resumed bis seat and asked Pbillp for a Bible. Philip banded him one. He opened It and read a chapter from tbe prophet Isaiah, and then, sitting in the chair, bowing his head between his'hands, he offered a prayer of suC?b Wonderful peauty and spiritual refinement of expression that Mr. and Mrs. Strong listened with awed astonishment, So the weeks went by, and the first Sunday of the next month found Philip's Christ message even more direct and personal than any fop bad brought tq his people before. He bad spent much of the time going Into the worklngmen's houses. The tenement district was becoming fawMlM territory to bim ROW- He bad settled finally what bia own action ought to be. In that action bis wife fully concurred. And tbe members of Calvary church, coming in that Sunday tflorplng, were astonished f»t tfleasage of'ttelr pastor as be spoke to them trom tbe standpoint of modern Christ. Philip could not help asking the question, and all the time he was conscious of a strange absurdity, I with an unaccountable respect visitor and his opinion. Cor bis For a moment no one spoke. Then Mr, Winter said: ■•'Still, we cannot deny that it is a very generous thing for Mr. Strong to do. He certainly {a entitled to credit for hi? unselfish proposal. No one ean charge him with being worldly minded." said Mr. Winter, feeling a new Interest In the gubjeet as he found himself defending the minister. "About your proposal that this house be turned Into a refuge or home for homeless children, Mr. Strong, do you consider that Idea practicable? Is It business? Is it possible?" "Yes," came the reply, with the calmness of light. "Christ would demand It If he were pastor of Calvary church In this age. The church members, the Christians in this century, must renounce all that they have or they cannot be his disciples." When be had uttered tbe amen, Mrs. Strong whispered to Philip: "Surely we cannot shut him out with the storm. We will give him the spare nom,# Philip said not a word. He at once built up a fire in tbe room and In a few moments invited the man into It "I believe it is, very decidedly. The number of homeless and vagrant children at present in Milton would astonish you. This house could be put Into beautiful shape as a detention house until homes could be fouud for the children In Christian families." •'Are you in favor of allowing him to do what he proposes In the matter of the parsonage T' asked another. Philip sat profoundly silent The words spoken bo quietly by this creature tossed upon his own soul like a "1 said a month ago that tbe age In which we live demands a simpler, less extravagant style of living. 1 did not mean by that to condemn tbe beauties of art or the marvels of wlenee PP the produptu Pf clflHwtlofl. J jnerely emphaalsed what 1 believe Is a mighty but neglected truth in our modern civilisation—that if we would win men to Christ we mn»t fltlopt wore of Uls UPlrlt pf simple find consecrated self denial. 1 wish to be distinctly understood as | go on that 1 do not condemn any man simply because he la rich or lives In a luxurious bouse, enjoying every comfort of modern civilization, every delicacy of the season and all physical desires. What I do wlPh distinctly understood la the belief, which hqs been burned deep Into me ever Since coming to tbls town, that If the members of this church wish to honor j the Head of the church and bring men | to believe htm and aave then) la tbia Ufa and tbe aaxt thai ami fcft wUttag vessel in a tempest He dared not sav anything for a moment. The Brother Man looked over and said at last "What have you been preaching about since you came here?" "I don't see that we can hinder Mr. Strong from living anywhere he pleases If he wants to. The church cannot qpinpel him to live In the parsonage.""Brother Man," he said almply. "stay here as If tbls were your own house, tou are welcome for the night." ' heartily welcome," sCild IP's wife, as If to make ameods for any doubts she had felt before. "It would take a great deal of money to manage it." So matters stood when the first .Sunday of a new month came and Mr. Strong again stJod before his church with his Christ message. It had been a wearing month to him. Gradually there had been growing upon him a sense of almost Isolation in his pulpit work. He wondered if he had interpreted Christ aright. He probed deeper and deeper Into the springs of action that moved the historical Jesus and again and again put that resplendently calm, majestic, suffering personality Into his own pulpit in Milton and then stood off, as it were, to watch what he would in all human probability say. He reviewed all his own sayings on those first Sundays and tried to tax himself with utmost severity for any denial of his Master or any false orientation at bin spirit, awl aa hft "Yes," replied PhUlp, with a sadness which had Its cause deep within him, Wi aao# eqmathltiC/ R'lt onn tbo world be saved cheaply? Does not every soul saved cost an immense sum, if not of money at least of an equivalent? Is it possible for us to get at the heart of the great social problem without feeling the need of using all our powers to solve It lightly?" "A great many things." / "What are some of the things you have preached about?" •'No, but It can choose not to have such a minister!" exclaimed the first speaker again excitedly, "and 1 for one am most decidedly opposed to the whole thing. I do not see how the churoh can allow It and maintain its self respect," Vof reply tbe "Brother Man" raised his band almost as If in benediction, and they left bim to bia rest. "Well"—Philip clasped his hands over his knees—"1 have preached about the right and wrong uses of property, the evil of the saloon, the Sunday as a day of rest and worship, the necessity of moving our church building down into this neighborhood, the need of living on a simpler basis and, lastly, the true work of a church In these days." CHAPTER XII In tbe morning Philip knocked at his guest's door to waken him for breakfast Not a sound could be heard within. He waited a little while and then knocked again. It was as still as before. He opened tbe door softly and looked In. "Do you think the church Is ready to tell Mr. Strong that his services are not wanted any longer?" asked Mr. Winter coldly. Mr, Winter shook his head. He did not understand the minister. His action and his words were both foreign to the mill owner's regular business habits of thought aqd performance. am, for one of the members, and I know others who feel as I do if matters go on in this way much longer. I tell you. Brother Winter, Calvary church is very near a crisis. Look at the Uoldetre and the Malverns and the Albergs. They are all leaving n, and the plain reason la tb* attvre C* tte "Has your church done what yo« have wished?" "What will you do, Mr. Strong, If the church refuses to listen to this proposed plan of yours?" "No," replied Philip, with a sigh. "Will it do what you preach ought to be done?" : "1 do not know.* - TJC. I L - Kl To bis amazement, tbere was no one there. Tbe bed was made up neatly, |i»u|IM»t !■ the ma was In its "I suppose." answered Philip after pa—it. "thn church will not ob«•*«»«» INIm to aaothftr hmwe at - - -