Pittston Gazette

              ** ablUhed 1883.1 TOL. L. .10. f Oldest NewsDaper in the Wyoming Vallev PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1900. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. i S1.00 • Teu 1 In AdniM. v S I I ▼ ♦» If it if ff By REV. CHARLES M. SHELDON, jf Author of "In Hi* Steps: What Would Jesus Do P" "Xaloom *♦ Kirk," "Robert Hardy's Seven Days," Eto. Copyright, 1S99, by The Advance, Publishing Co. *♦ What that was we cannot tell until we come to record the events of the communion Sunday, a day that stood out In Philip's memory like one of the bleeding palm* of his Master, pierced with sorrow, but eloquent with sacrifice.him that some thought he was going to leave the church. But he quickly called on his will to assert its power, and, taking up the regular communion service, he calmly took charge of It as If nothing out of the way had occurred. He did not even allude to the morning's incident in his prayers. Whatever else the people might think of Philip they certainly could find no fault with his self possession. His conduct of the service on that memorable Sunday was admirable. ed into the room from the setting sun of death's approaching t.flight The son of the old slave muster was going to meet the mother of uie man who was born Into the darkness of slavery, but born again into the light of God. Perhaps, perhaps, he thought, who knows but the first news he would bring to her would be the news of that communion? Certain It is that his hand moved vaguely over the blanket. It slipped over the edge of the bed and fell upon the bowed head of the sexton and remained there as if in benediction. And so the shadow deepened, and at last it was like unto nothing else known to the sons of men on earth, and the spirit leaped out of its clay tenement with thg, breath of the communion wine still on the lips of the frail, perishable body1, "Well, Philip, that's what I call the I finger of Providence!" - - _ -» D God has given us to build up his king- j dom? The money represented by this ■ church could rebuild the entire tenement district. The men who own these buildings"— He paused as if he had suddenly become aware that be might be saying an unwise thing. Then, after a brief hesitation, as if he had satisfied his own doubt, he repeated: "The men who own these tenements— and members of other churches besides Calvary are among the ownersare guilty in the sight of God for allowing human beings made in his Im-. age to grow up in such horrible surroundings when it is In the power of money to stop It. Therefore they shall f ■ receive greater condemnation at the last, when Christ sits on the throne of the universe to judge the world. For will he not say, as he said long yean ago, '1 was an hungered and ye gave me no meat, naked and ye clothed me not, sick and in miserable dwellings reeking with filth and disease ye drew the hire of these places and visited me not?* For are these men and" women and children not  Verily God will requi?S~"lt at our j& hands, oh, men of Milton, if, having the power to use God's property so as to make the world happier and better,, we refuse to do so and go our ways careless of our responsibility and selfish in our use of God's money." If !* ♦* £♦ ♦* and cautious way, "I came to see you, Mr. Strong, to tell you about a thing you ought to know. There is danger of your life his evident influence over them, the thought of what they would feel in case he left Milton to accept this new work, the dissatisfaction at the thought of an unaccomplished work abandoned, the thought of the exultation of the whisky men—all this and much more surged in and out of his mind and heart like heavy tides of a heaving ocean as it rushes into some deep fissure and then flows back again with noise and power. He struggled up into a sitting position and with pain of body almost fell from the couch upon his knees and with his face bowed upon the letter; which he spread out before him with both hands, he sobbed out {l yearning cry to his Master for light in his darkness. in of hp m "Do you call It the finger of Providence because It points the way you want to go?" asked Philip, with a smile. But his face instantly grew sober. He was evidently very much excited by the call to Falrvlew. It had come at a time when he was In a condition to much moved by It. here." "Where?" asked Philip calmly. "Here, in this neighborhood." "Well?" Philip waited for more explanation.It it • C■■■» • ♦ mmm • The day was beautiful and the church as usual crowded to the doors. There was a feeling of hardly concealed excitement on the part of Calvary church. The action of Thursday night had been sharply criticised. Very many thought Philip had gone beyond his right in bringing such an important subject before so small a meeting of the members, and the prospect of the approaching baptism and communion of the sexton had drawn in a crowd of people who ordinarily staid away front that service. CHAPTER XVI. "I didn't want to tell your wife for fear of scaring her, but I thought you ought to know, Mr. Strong, and then you could take steps to protect yourself or get away." tt if »♦ if "Yes, Philip," replied bis wife as she smoothed back his hair from his forehead, "it is very plain to me that you have done all that any one tan do here In Milton, and this call comes just in time. You are worn out. The church is opposed to your methods. You need a rest and a change, and, besides, this is the very work that you have always had a liking for." • mmmm • • mmmm • When it was over, he was surrounded by different ones who had taken part either for or against the sexton. There was much said about the matter. But all the arguments and excuses and comments on the affair conld not remove the heartache from Philip. He could not reconcile the action of the church with the spirit of the church's Master, Jesus, and when he finally reached home and calmly reviewed the events of the morning he was more and more grieved for the church and for his Master. It seemed to him that a great mistake had been made and that Calvary church had disgraced the name of Christianity. "Go on. Tell ne the worst," said Philip quietly as the man paused. »» K » X ». "Well," the man went on in a low tone, "two others and me overheard a talk last night by the men who run the Star saloon and den down by the Falls. They have a plan to waylay you, rob you and injure you, sir, and do it in such a way as to make it seem a eomm#n hold up. They seemed to know about your habit of going around through the alleys and cross streets of the tenements. We heard enough to make us sure they really and truly meant to deal foully by you the first good chance, and we thought best to put you on your guard. The rummies are down on you, Mr. Strong, you have been so outspoken against them. And your lecture in the hall last week has made them mad, I tell you. They hate you worse than poison, for that's the article they seem to sell and make a living out of." CHAPTER XV. "Well," said Philip slowly aB he seemed to grasp the meaning of his wife's words, "to tell the truth, I never thought of that!" He sat down and "Why, brethren, how can It take It In any except the Christian way?" said Philip eagerly. "Here is a man who gives evidence of being born again. He cannot be present tonight when the other applicants come in later owing to work he must do, but I can say for tilui that he gave all evidence of a most sincere and thorough conversion, He wishes to be baptised. He wants to unite with the church. He f8 of more than average Intelligence- He if not a person to thrust himself Into places where people do not wish him— modest, quiet workman, a Christian believer asking ns 4o receive him at the communion table of our Lord. There Is no church for his own people here. On what possible pretext can the church refuse to admit him?" "You do not know some of the members of Calvary church, Mr. Strong, if you ask such a question. There is a very strong prejudice against the negro in many families. This prejudice Is especially strong just at this time owing to several acts of depredatloq committed by the negroes living down near the railroad tracks. I don't believe it would be wise to present this name just now." Deacon Stearns appeared to speak for the committee, all of wfliom murmured assent In one form or another. "And yet," said Philip, roused to a sudden heat of Indignation, "and yet what Is Calvary church doing to help to make those men down by the railtoad tracks any btvtu.' tv.'c «o concerned about them at all except when our coal or wood or clothing is stolen or some one is held up down there? And when one of them knocks at the door of the church can we calmly and coldly shut it in his face simply because God made It a different color from ours?" Philip stopped and then finished by saying very quietly, •Brethren, do you think Christ would receive this man info the church?" There was no reply for a moment Then Deacon Stearns answered: "Brother Strong, we have to deal with humanity as It is. You cannot make people all over. This prejudice exists, and sometimes we may have to respect tt |n order to avoid greater trouble. 1 know families In the church who wilj certainly withdraw if the sexton is voted In as a member. And still," said the old deacon, with a sigh, "I believe Christ woult} receive him into hiq Philip said nothing for a moment. His mind was in a whirl of emotion. Finally he said: "Yes; I would enjoy such a professorship. It is a very tempting call. I feel drawn toward it. And yet"—he hesitated—"I don't know that I ought to leave Milton just now." It came as he kneeled down, and it did not seem to him at all strange or absurd that as he kneeleS there came to his thought a The Brother Man. And he could ulmost hear the Brother Man say: "'SJaur work is in Milton, in Calvary church yet. Except a man shall renounce all that he hath he cannot be his disciple." It mattered not to Philip that the answer to his prayer came in this particular way. He was not superstitious or morbid or given to yielding to impulse or fancy. He lay down upon the couch again and knew in his heart that he was at peace with God and' his own conscience In deciding to stay with Calvary church and refuse the call to Fairview. Philip reverently raised, the arm and laid it on the bed. The sexton rose, and, while the tears -roiled over his face, he gazed long into the countenance of the sen of his old master. No division of race now; no false and self lsh prejudice here. Come, let tin neighbors of the dead come in to d the last sad offices to the casket, fo the soul of this disciple is in the mai? •sions of glory, and It shall hunger n more, neither thirst any more, ueitfc shall the darkness of death ever aga. smite It, for It shall live forever lu-t light of that Lamb of God who ga himself for the remission of sins a: the life everlasting. looked troubled. "Do you think, Sarah, Philip generally had no preaching on communion Sunday. This morning he remained on the platform after the opening exercises, and In a stillness which was almost painful in Its intensity he began to speak in a low but clear and impressive voice: that because he Is a negro the church ~ will refuse to receive him to membership? It would not be Christian to refuse him." "There are other things that are Christian which the cjpirch of Christ on earth does not do, p'hilip," replied his wife almost bitterly. "But what" eyer else Calvary church may do or not do I am very certain it will never consent to admit to membership a black man." Mrs. Strong was provoked. "Philip Strong, you have lived this kind of life long enough! All your efforts in Calvary church are wasted. What good have all your sermons done? It is all a vain sacrifice, and the end will be defeat and misery for you. Add to all this the faC* that this new work will call for the best and most Christian labor and that some good Christian man will take it if you don't—and I don't see, Philip, how you can possibly think of such a thing as refusing this opportunity.""Fellow disciples of the church of Christ on earth, we meet to celebrate the memory of that greatest of all beings, who, on the eve of his own greatest agony, prayed that his disciples might all be one. In that prayer he said nothing about color or race or difference of speech or social surroundings. His prayer was that his disciples nflght all be one—one in their aims, in their purposes, their sympathy, their faith, their hope, their love. As he had been In the habit of doing since he moved into the neighborhood of the tenements, Philip went out in the afternoon to visit the sick and the sorrowful. The shutting down of the mills had resulted In an Immense amount of suffering and trouble. As spring came on some few of the mills bad opened, and men bad found work in them at a reduction of wages. The entire history of the enforced Idleness 01 inousauus 01 men 114 aiinou uunng that eventful winter would make a large volume of thrilling narrative. Philip's story but touches on this other. He had grown rapidly familiar with the different phases of life which loafed and idled and drank Itself away dniing that period of Inaction. Hundreds of men had drifted away to other places In search of work. Almost as many more had taken to the road to swell the ever Increasing number of professional tramps and in time to develop Into petty thieves and criminals. But those who remained had a desperate struggle with poverty. Philip grew sick at heart as he went among the people and saw the complete helplessness, the utter estrangement of sympathy and community of feeling between the church people and these representatives of the physical labor of the world. Every time he went out to do his visiting this feeling deepened in him. This Sunday afternoon In particular It seemed to him as If the depression and discouragement of the tenement district weighed on him }ik« a great burden, bearing him down to the earth with sorrow and heartache. ••But there are so few negroes in Milton that they have no church. I cannot counsel him to unite with his own people. Calvary church must admit him!" Philip spoke with the quiet determination which always marked his convictions when they were settled.Fhillp closed his sermon with count of facts concerning the coi of some of the people he himsc visited. When the service closet than one property owner, went secretly enraged at the minister and, as most of them said and 11 "impertinent meddling in theii ness." Was he wise? And yet been to more than one of thee in private with the same messag he not have the right to speak I lie? Did not Christ do so? WC not do so if he were here on again? And Philip, seeing th« need, seeing the mighty power c ey, seeing the Indifference of the to the whole matter, seeing th termination to conduct their b' for the gain of it without regard condition oi life, with his hea and his soul Indlgna* c at the st he had witnessed, £Dme into the and flung his sword of wrath on scabbard, smiting at the very dearest of all things to thousa church members today—the moi Philip did what he could on such occasion. It was not an uausiial ev Philip had the week before addressed a large meeting of worklngmen, and in the course of his speech he had called attention to the saloon as one of the graft test foes of the wage earner. CHAPTER XVIII. altogether. He had prayed bv mn a poor creature in the clutch of the 1 "It certainly Is a splendid opportunity," murmured Philip. "I wonder why they happened to pitch on me for the place?" When a few minutes later Mrs. Strong came up, Philip told her exactly how he had decided. "An event has happened In this church very recently which makes It necessary for me to say these words, The Holy Spirit came Into this room last Sunday and touched the hearts of several young men, who gave themselves then and there to the Lord Jesns Christ. Among the men was one of another race than the Anglo-Saxon. He was a black man. His heart was melted by the same love, his mind illuminated by the same truth. He desired to make confession of his belief, be baptised according to the commands of Jesus and unite with this church as a humble disciple of the iowly Nazarene. His name was presented with the rest at the regular committee meeting last Monday, and that committee, by a vote of 3 to 2, refused to present his name with recommendations for membership. On my own responsibility at the preparatory service Thursday night I asked the church to act upoq this disciple's name. There was a legal quorum of tiie church present By a vote of 26 to 12 the applicant for membership was received according to the rules of this church. enemy, and lie was familiar with face in the tenements. I.ut this pa "But suppose the committee refuses to report his name favorably to the phureh. what then?" Mrs. Strong Bpoke with a gleam of hope In her heart that Philip would be roused to indignation, that be would resign and leave Milton. ular scene had a meaning and left "Is that aB?" Philip asked. "All, man alive! Jss't It enough? What more do you hanker after?" "I cannot leave these poor fellows in the tenements yet. My work is Just beginning to count with them. And the church—oh, Sarah, I love it, for it has such possibilities, and it must yield In time. And then the whisky men—I cannot bear to have them think me beaten, driven out, defeated. And in addition to all the rest I have a feeling that God has a wonderful blessing in store for me and the church very soon, and I cannot banish the feeling that If I accept the call to Fairview I should always be haunted by that ghost of Duty murdered and run away from which would make me unhappy in all my future work. Dear little woman," Philip went on as he drew his wife's head down and kissed her tenderly, while tears of disappointment fell from her—"little woman, you know you are the dearest of all earthly beings to me. And my soul tells me the reason you loved enough to share earth's troubles with me was that you knew I could not be a coward in the face of my duty, my conscience and my God. Is it not so?" The answer came in a sob of mingled anguish and happiness: "Yes, Philip, but it was only tot your sake I wanted you to leave this work. It Is killing you. Yet"—and she lifted her head, with a smile through all the Impression different froiti any he "That's easy enough. Every one knows that yon could fill that chair better than almost any other man in the country." liberty to go home for a little 1 : fore the evening sen-Ice, he found hln: self more than usually tired and so: rowful. Mrs, Strong noticed It as hC CAme In, She made him He down auC: urged him to give up his evening serv Ice. known before. When finally he r "Of course I don't 'hanker after* being held up or attacked, but these men are mistaken if they think to frighten me." Philip did not reply at once. He waB having an inward struggle with his sensitiveness and his interpretation of his Christ. At last he said: "Do you mean by 'every one' a little woman of the name of Sarah?" asked Philip, with a brief return of his teasing habit. "They mean more than frighten, Mr. Strong; they mean business." "No, sir. I mean all the professors and people in Falrvlew and all the thinking people of Milton and every one who knows you, Philip. Every one knows that whatever else you lack it isn't brains." "I don't know, Sarah. I shall do yrhat 1 think be would. What I shall do afterward will also depend on what Christ would do. I cannot decide it yet. I have great faith in the church on earth." "No, no, Sarah! 1 can't do that! 1 am prepared. 1 must preach! I'll get a nap, and then I'll feel better," he said. "Why don't you have them arrested, then, for conspiracy? If you overheard their talk, they are guilty and could be convicted." "Not in Milton, Mr. Strong. Besides, there was no name mentioned, and the talk was scatteringllke. They are shrewd devils. But we could tell they meant you plain enough. Not to prove anything In court, though." Mrs. Strong shook her head, but Philip was determined. He slept a little, ate a little lunch, and when the time of service came he went up to the church again. As his habit was. Just before the hour of beginning, he weut into the little room at the side of the platform to pray by himself. When he came out and began the service, no one could have told from his manner that he was suffering physically. Even Mrs. Strong, who was watching him anxiously, felt relieved to Bee bow Quiet and composed he was. "I'd like to borrow a few just now, though, for I seem to have lost most of mine. Lend me yours, won't you, Sarah, until 1 settle this question of the call?" "And yet what has it done for you so far. Phtflp? The business men still own and rent the saloons and gambling houses. The money spent by the cbnrch Is all out of proportion to its wealth. Here you give away half your salary to build up the kingdom of God, and more than a dozen men In Calvary who are worth fifty and a hundred thousand dollars give (ess than a hundredth part of their income io Christian work in connection with the church. It makes my blood boll! "And you came to warn me? That was kind of you, my brother." Philip spoke with the winsome affection for men that made his hold on common people like the grappling vine with loving tendrils. "Yes, Mr. Strong, I tell you the rummies will almost hold a prayer meeting when you leave Milton. And they mean to make you trouble enough until you do leave. If I was you"—the man paused curiously—"if I was you, Fd get up and leave this God forsaken own, Mr. Strong." "No, sir. If you can't settle a plain question like this with all your brains, you couldn't do any better with the addition of the little 1 have." his t "Then you really think, do you, Sarah, that 1 ought to accept this as the-leading of the spirit of God and follow without hesitation?" "But after that meeting the Qiao came to me and said tbat he was unwilling to unite with the church, knowing that some objected to his membership. It was a natural feeling for hliq to have. We had ft long talk over the matter. Since then I have learned that If a larger representation of members had been present At the preparatory meeting there la a possibility that the number voting against receiving the applicant would have been much larger than those who voted for him. He bad been in the habit of going oat to communion Sunday with the emblems of Christ to observe the rite by the bedsides of the aged or ill of thosp Tjfhq could not get out to chwroh. He carried with hlW this time a basket containipjf a part of the communion service. After going to the homes of one or two invalid church members he thought of the person who had been mentioned by the mao In the morning as living to the tenement district and In a critical condition. He had secured his address, and after a little inquiry he soon found himself in a part of the tenements near to him. He had commenced his sermon and had been preaching with great eloquence for ten minutes when he felt a strange dizziness and a pain In his side that made him catch his breath and clutch the side of the pulpit to keep from falling. It f»assed away, and he went On, It was only a slight hesitation, and no one remarked anything out of the way. For five minutes he spoke with increasing power and feeling. The church was filled. It was very quiet. Suddenly, without any warning, be'threw up hJlKhirs, uttered a cry of half suppressed agony and then fell over backward. A thrill of excitement ran through the audience. For a moment no one moved; then every one rose. The men in the front pews rushed up to the platform. Mrs. Strong was already there. Philips head was raised. Philip's old friend, the surgeon, was In the crowd, and he at once ezamlued him. He was not dead, and the doctor at once directed the proper movement for his removal from the church. As he was being carried out Into the air he revived and was able to speak. Mrs. Strong replied with almost tearfulSlilWaf&jhow T0u mre1.thr0WIng ments and wasting your appeals on a Church that plainly does not intend to ilo, does not want to do, as Christ Would have It.' And 1 don't believe it "Philip, it Beema to me like the leading of hi* hand. Sorely you have •hown your willingness and your courage and your sacrifice by your work here. But your methods arc distasteful, and your preaching has stD far roused only antagonism. Oh, I dread (he thought of this life for you another day. It looks to me like a suicidal policy, with nothing to show for it when you hfv« gone through with it." fhilip spread the letter out on the couch, and his face grew more and more thoughtful as h* gazed Into the face of his wife, and his mind went •ver the ground of his church experience. If only—he was perhaps thinking—If only the good God had not given him so sensitive and fine tempered a spirit of conscientiousness. He almost envied men of \arse, blunt feelings, of common ideals wf duty and service, "You would?" Philip glanced at the etter which still lay upon the conch Deside him. "Suppose I should say I lad about made up my mind to do just that thing?" "Oh, no, Mr. Strong, you don't* mean that!" The man made * gesture toward PhlUp that revealed a w$c)d of longing and of hunger for fellowship that made Philip's heart throb with a feeling of Intense joy, mingled with an ache of pain. The man at once repressed his emotion. It had been like a lightning flash out of a summer cloud. ever will." "I'm not so sure of that, Sarah," replied Philip cheerfully. "I believe 1 (ball win theuj yet. Hie only thing that sometimes troubles me is, Am I doing just as Christ would do? Am I saying what be would say in this age of tbe world? There 1b one thing oX which I am certain-~I am trying to do Just as 1 believe h€" would. The mistakes 1 make are those which spring from my failure to Interpret his action right. And yet I do feel deep in me that if he war; pastor of this church today he would do most of the ftitngs Thave done. He would preach inost of tbe truths I have  Don't you think so, Sarah?" "I don't know, Philip. Yes, I think in most things you have made an honest attempt to interpret him." church," Before much more could be said the different applicants came, and as the custom was, after a brief talk with them about their purpose in uniting with the church and their disclpleshlp, they withdrew, and the committee formally acted on tbe names for presentation to the church. The name of Henry Roland, the sexton, was finally reported unfavorably, three of tbe committee voting against it. Deacon Stearns at last votfpg with the mlA10: ter to present tbe sexton's name with the other*. "Now, brethren," said Pbilip, with a sad smile, as they rose to go, "you know I have always been very frank In all our relations together, and 1 am going to present the sexton's name to the church Thursday night and iet the churcb voto on it in spite of the action here tonight. You know we have only recommending power. The church 16 the final authority, and it may accept or reject any names we present. I cannot rest satisfied until we know the verdict of the church in the matter." "Brother Strong," said one of the committee who had been opposed to tbe sexton, "you are right as to the extent of our authority, but there Is no question in my mind as to the outcome of tbe matter. It is a question of ex pedlency. I do not have any feeling against the sexton, but 1 thlbk itSvotrtu be very unwise to receive blm into membership, and I do not believe the church will receive him. If you present the name, you do PCD pn your pw$ responsibility," "With mine," said Deacon Stearin, He Was the last to shake hands with the minister, and his warm, strong grasp gave Philip a sense of fellowship that thrilled blm with a sense of courage and companionship very much needed. He at once went up to his study after tbe committee w** gone, Mrs. Strong, coming up to see him lat» er, found him, as she often did now, oh his knees in prayer. Ab, thou follower of Jesus in this century, what but thy prayers shall strengthen thy soul In tbe strange days to come? Thursday evening was stormy. A heavy rain had set in before dark, and a high wind blew great sheets of water through tbe streets and rattled loose boards and shingles about the tenements. Philip would pot Jet his wife go out. It was too stormy. So he went his way alone, somewhat sorrow-! ful at heart as he contemplated the prospect of a small attendance on what he had planned should b# «#4t«portant (occasion. "Under all these circumstances I have deemed it my duty to say what I have thus far said and to ask tbe, churcb to take tbe action I now propose. We are met here this morning in full membership. Here Is a soul just led out of the darkness by the spirit of truth. He is one knowq to many pi you as fjp honest, 'jrprthy" man, for tnany years faithful in the discharge of his duties in this bouse. There la no Christian reason wby be should be denied fellowship around this table. I wish, therefore, to ask tbe members of tbe churcb to vote again on tbe acceptance or rejection of Henry Roland, disciple of Jesus, who has asked for permission to this body of Christ in his name. Will all those la favor pf thus reeeiylp£ pllf brother ibto the great family of faith signify It by raising1 the right band?" For a moment not a person in the church stirred. Every one seemed smitten into astonished Inaction by the sudden proposal of the minister. Then bands began to go up. Philip counted them, his heart beating with anguish ao he foresaw tbe coming result He waited a minute—it seemed to many like several minutes—apd then said, "All those opposed to tbe adinlssiop oj the applicant signify It by the same algn." me. , There were people In  could not understand how a person of such refined and even naturally expensive and luxurious habits as the minister's wife possessed could endure the He i He climbed up three flights of stairs and knocked at tlie door. , It was ppeii: ed by the sexton. He greeted Philip, idth glad surprise. 1*he minister smiled sadly. life be bad planned for himself and bia idea of Christian living in general. Philip could have told them If he had been so minded. And this scene could "Yes," said Philip, as if continuing, "I have been thinking of leaving Milton."'-'So, my brother, It Is fW you are Serving your Master here? My heart 1b grieved at the action of the church this morning." !rom a £ other band over tempted to throw h It was very late, one In sight Philfp "This is the attack c warned." He was takev surprise; but being activv sessed, he sharply threw ward, repelling his assalla. and succeeded in pulling v hand away from his mouth. second's instinct was to cry help; his next was to keep sti suddenly felt the other giving The strength seemed to be leavin. Philip, calling up some of his k "edge of wrestling gained while h lege, threw his entire weight upon and, to his the man oflere* resistance. They both fell heavily on the ground, the man undernet He had not spoken, and no one had : appeared. As the man lay there motic less Philip rose and stood over hli By the d{m light that partly ilium nated the court from a street lami farther on he jaw that his assailant was stunned. There was a pump not far away. Philip went over and brought some water. After a few momenta the man recovered consciousness. He sat up and looked about In a confused manner. Philip stood near by, looking at him thoughtfully. CHAPTER XIX. j As the man looked up at Philip in w dazed and uncertain manner Phlllrt ■aid slowly: "You're not hurt badly, I hope.  did you attack me?" The man seemed too bewildered to answer. Philip leaned over and put one arm about him to help him rfce. He struggled to his feet and almost instantly sat down on the curb at the side of the road, holding his head between his hands. For a moment Philip hesitated. Then down beside him and, after finding out that he wasnot seriously hurt, succeeded In drawing him into a conversation which grew more and more remarkable as it. went on. As he thought back upon it afterward Philip was unable to account exactly for the which the confidence between him and his assailant had been brought about The Incident and all that flowed out of it had such a bearing on the crucifixion that It belongs to the whole story. "That might be best You're in danger here. No telling when some harm may come to you." have revealed It to any one who knew the minister and his wife as they really were. That was a sacred scene to husband and wife, something that belonged to them, one of those things which the world did not know and had no business to know. "Don't say anything, Mr. Strong. You did all you could, but you are Just In time to see him." The sexton pointed Into a small back room. "He Is going fast I didn't suppose he was pcj near. I would asked you to come, put I didn't think he was falling sq." Philip followed the sexton Into the room. The son of the old store master His wife watched him anxiously. $he knew It was a crisis with him. At last he said; "Well, I'm thinking I might as well leave. My work here has been a failure anyway." Sarah, wouldn't Christ tell Calvary "And in the matter of tbe Bexton, "Well, Sarah, I don't know but you're right. The Bpirit Is willing, but the flesh Is weak. The professorship would be free from the Incessant worry and anxiety of a parish, and then 1 might be Just as useful In the seminary as I am here—who knows?" church tbat It should admit him to its membership? Would be make any distinction of persons? I? the man is a Christian, thoroughly converted and • wants to be baptized and unite with cWlst's body on earth, would Christ, M pastor, refuse blm admission?" "There Is \ great deal of race prejudice among the people. If you press the matter, Pbilip, I feel sure it will meet with great opposition." "What, a failure? Mr. Strong, you don't know the facts. There has never been a minister in Milton who did so much for. the poor and the workingman as yourself! Let me tell you,"-the man continued, with an earnestness that concealed an emotion he was trying to subdue, "Mr. Strong, if you were to leave Milton now It would be a greater loss to the common people than you can imagine. You may not know it, but your Influence among us is very great. I have lived in Milton as boy and man for 30' years, and 1 never knew so many laboring men attend church and the lectures in the hall as during the few months you have been here. Your work here has not been a failure; it has been a great success." "Take me home," be whispered to his wife, who hung over him In a terror as great as ber love for him at that moment. A carriage was called, and he was taken home. The doctor remained until Philip was fully conscious.When the first Sunday of -another month had come, Mr. Strong felt quite well again. A rumor of 'lis call to Fairview had gone out, and to the few intimate friends who asked him about It he did not deny, but he said little. The time was precious to him. He plunged into the work with an enthusiasm and a purpose which sprang from his knowledge that he was at last really gaining some influence m the tenement district. 3! -Mm? - v - M HP! 7 ■ Hw "Who knows, indeed?" exclaimed Sarah Joyfully. At the same time she was almost crying. She picked up fhe letter and called Philip's attention to the clause which granted him a year abroad in case he accepted. "Think of that, PhlUp! Your dream mf foreign travel can come true now!" "It was very warm, and I was very tired, and I fainted, eh. doctor? First time I ever did such a thing in my life. 1 am ashamed. 1 spoiled the service." Philip uttered this slowly and feebly when at last be had recovered enough to know where he was. i. V 1- L "That is not the question with me. Would Christ tell Calvary churcb that ■ the man ought to be admitted? That is The condition of affairs in that neighborhood was growing worse Instead of better. The amount of vice, drunkenness, crime and brutality made hit. sensitive heart quiver a hundred times a day as he went his way through it all. His study of the whole question led him to the conviction that one of the great needs of the place was a new home life for the people. The tenements were owned and rented by men of wealth and influence. Many of these men were in the church. Discouraged as he had so often been in his endeavor to get the moneyed men of the congregation to consecrate their property to Christian uses, Philip came up to that first Sunday with a new phase of the same great subject which pressed so hard for utterance that he could not keep it back. "Brother Stronq, J'm afraid the church The doctor Iwked at him suspiciously. ''You never fainted before, eh? Well, if I were you I would take care not to falQt again. Take good care of him, Mrs. Strong. He needs rest. Milton could spare a dozen bad men like me better than one like the dominie." •'That is"—Philip looked out of the window over the dingy roof of a shed near by to the gloomy tenements— "that is, supposing I decide to accept." Again there was (be tame  reluctant pause, then half a dozen hands went up in front of the church, Instantly from almost every part of the house bands went up in numbers that almost doubled those who had voted In favor of admission. From the gallery on the sides, where several of Philip's workmen friends sat, a hiss arose. It was slight, but heard by the entire congregation, tffclUp glanced (fft there, and u Instantly cewed. ' "Supposing! But yo\ialmost the same as said— Oh, Philip,.Shy you will! Be reasonable! This is the opportunity of a lifetime!" A tear stole out of Philip's eye and rolled down and fell with a warm splash on the letter which lay beside him. If a $2,500 call could be drowned by one tear, that professorship in sociology in Falrview seminary was in danger. "Doctor," cried Mrs. Strong In sudden fear, "what is the matter? Is this serious?" 'That's true," repliyd Philip. 'Hfau may not have another such chance as this as long as you live. You are young now and with every prospect of success In work of this kind. It Is new work, of the kind y°u You will have leisure and means to Cjirry on Important experiments and influence for life young men entering the ministry. Surely, Philip, there is as great opportunity for usefulness and pncriflee there as anywhere. It must be that the will of God is in this. It comes without any seeking on your part." "Not ftt all. But like your husband are lu need of watching. Take good care of him." "So you think the people In this neighborhood would miss me a little?" he asked almost as modestly as if he were asking a great favor. "Good care of him! Doctor, he will not mind me! I wanted him to stay at home tonight, but he wouldn't." The grayahadow of the last enemy vat ■projected into the room. Without another word he stepped down from the platform and began to read the list of those who had been received into church membership. He had almost reached the end of It when a person whose nam? a called last 'rose from his seat near the front, where all the newfy 'received members were In the habit of sitting together, and, turning partly around so as to face the congregate ana Philip, bo said! "Would they, Mr. Strong! You will never kDow what you have done for tbem. If the mill men were to hear of your leaving, they would come down here In a body and almost compel you to stay. 1 cannot bear to think of your going. And yet the danger you are in, the whisky men"— was sinking rapidly. He was conscious, however, and at Philip's quiet question concerning his peace with God a smile passed pves his face, and he moved his Bps. Philip understood him. ' A sudden thought occurred Philip. He pPened the basket, togk ppi the hwd ahd wine, set them the small table "mi. of Jesus, would you like to partake of the blessed comAjunlon once more before you see the King la his glory?" "Then put and padlock on him htm in!" growled the surgeon. He prescribed a medicine and went away, assuring Mrs. Strong that Philip would fee) much better in the jn&rftlng. As be faced the chureh tbis morning he faced an audience composed of very conflicting elements. Representatives of labor were conspicuous in the galleries. People whom he had assisted at one time and auother were scattered through the bouse, mostly In the back seats under the choir gallery. His own membership was represented by men who, while opposed to his idea of the Christian life and his Interpretation of Christ, nevertheless continued to go tnd hear him preach. The incident-of the sexton's application for membership and his rejection by vote bad also told somewhat in favor of the minister. Many preachers would have resigned after such a scene. He had said his say about it and then refused to speak or be Interviewed by the papers on the subject What It cost him in suffering was his own secret. But this morning, as be rose to give his message in the person of Christ, the thought of the continued suffering and shame and in the tenement district, the thought of the great wealth in the possession of the church which might be used almost to transform the lives of thousands of people If the men of riches in Calvary church would only ope the kingdom of God in its demands them—this voiced his cry to the people and gave his sermon the significance and solemnity of a prophet's inspiration."Seer* he exclaimed as he went on after drawing a vivid picture of the miserable condition of life in the buildings which could not be called homes, "see what a change could be wrought by the use of a few thousand dollars down there. And here this morning in this house men are sitting who own very many of those tenements, who are getting the rent from thom every month, who could, without suffering one single sorrow, without depriving themselves of one necessity of even luxury of life, so change the mlrroundlngs of these people that they would enjoy the physical life God g&Ve them and be able to see bis love ta jithe lives of his disciples. Oh, my brethren, is not this your opportunity? What is money compared with humanity? What la the meaning of our discttdfishlu unless we are using what, at — — ~*DfT\. wlU object." the question. I believe he would,' kdded Philip, with bis ml Men gra«p of practical action. Aud Mrs. Strong knew that JwttteU it with her Mnsband. ft the custom in Calvary church The surgeon's prediction came true. Philip found himself weak the next day, but able to get about In reply to numerous calls of inquiry for the minister Mrs. String was able to report that he was much better. About 11 o'clock, when the postman called, Philip was In his study lying on his lounge, "Yes, indeed!" Philip spoke with the only touch of pride he ever exhibited. It was pride in the knowledge that he was absolutely free from self glory or self seeking. Philip routed himself up, interrupting his visitor. The old time flash of righteous indiguation shot out of his eyes as he exclaimed: "I am more than half minded to stay on that account! The rummies would think they had beaten me out if I left for the church committee on new "Mr. Strong, I do not feel as if, after what ban taken place here this morning, I could unite with this church. This hmo who has been excluded from church membership is the son of a woman born into slavery on the estate of one of my relatives. That slave woman one? nursed her master through a terrible illness and 6&veq his life.' man, her son, was then a Utftp child. But (n the strange changes th$t have gone qq since the war the hp ot tb? eld master has been reduced to poverty and obliged to work for a living. He is now in this town. He If this very day lying upon a sick bed In the tenement district. And this black maa has for several weeks out of hla small earnings helped the son of his mother's waster and tor fcta} through his Illness Wlth att the deyotiQSLVf » f fiend. "* "Then say you will accept Bay you will, Philip!" aames for membership to meet at the minister's house on the Monday even- the preparatory service*; •tftthat service all names presented by the committee were formally acted upoo by the church. The committee's action was generally considered final, aud 4m voting was In accordance with the cdmmlttwfs report. * $o when the committee came In that Evening following the Sunday that had witnessed the fouversion of the gextoq Philip had ready a list of names, luing men. It was a o him. It seemed time since he came growing opposition to be checked and beneath & power Of hich it was Philip's come and do the ♦ could not do. That aad borne the feellf so calmly. Mst over to the compiling briefly about Meants for mehibefig bis Joy that the illy were coming iniiy. When he reach' name, he related sim• him after the morn- Tbe gleam of satisfaction In the man's eye* told Philip enougtb The sexton said in a low voice, "fie be-, longed to tbe southern Epiotopai church In Virginia." Something In the wistful look of the sexton gave PhiUp an iMapiration fo? what followed. ''Brother," he, said, turning to the sexton, "what la to binder your baptism and partaking of tbe communion? Yesi this Is Christ's church wherever his tae disciples are." the sexton brought a basin of watqp, and as be kneeled down by the side' of tbe bed Philip baptized bim with the words: "I baptize thee, Henry, my brother, disflnle of Jesus, Into the name of the Father and of the and of tbe Holy Ghost! Amen." ?fbe appeal, coming from the person dearest to him in all tbe world, moved Philip profoundly. He took tbe letter from her band, read it ever carefully ftpd again laid it down on the couch. Then he said: * at "Ob, Mr, Strong, I can't tell you bow glad we would be if you would only stay! And yet"— His wife brought up two letters. One of them waa from his old chum. He read that flrft. He then laid It down and opened tjbe oth$f\ At that moment Mrs. Strong was called down stairs by a ring at the door. When she had answered It, she came up stain again. However, some of the best members I of the church were out- The very ones that were in sympathy with Phityp and his methods were In the majority of those present, and that led to an unexpected result when the naqaes of the applicants for membership cam? before the church for action. Philip read the list approved by the committee and then very simply, but powerfully, told the sexton's story and the refusal of the committee ia recommend him for membership. "Now, I do not see how we can shut this disciple of Jesus out of bifj church," concluded Philip. "And! wish to present him to this church for Its action. He is a Christian; be needs our belp and our fellowship, and as Christian believers, as disciples of the Man of all the race, as those who believe that £bere Is to be uo distinction of souls hereafter that shall separate them by prejudice, I hope you will vote to receive this brother in Christ to our membership." -The voting on new members was .done by ballot. When the ballots were „„ _ . all in and counted, it was announced was an awkward panse then. .. . . . nmittee was plainly astonish- ' TT ZT pres«^ allv one said: "Brother Strong, elected except that Id the church wiil object to 1 * £• ?" °«' t J?** J®* ™ ;he sexton. What is his name?' ?' ? PW"P v Roland " declared that according to the constlhe has lien sexton of Calvary tu,tlo°of the C?urC* be was dulD' ,elef " tee ten years," said another, meetlu« °° in the r member of the committee, *«ual manner characteristic of prepar- Stearns by name. "He has atory 8erv,ce- The 8eIton had be«n Honest, capable man. I never* tL,e baC* Part ot *e  ny complaint ft him. He has at the clo8e of the meeting, after inlruiMl his own business How the f®81 bad gone, he and Philip had datft know how the church tt ,0Q« ** together. ,W*en Philip e it h'"* as an 'reached home, he and Sarah had an- "And yet," replied 'Philip, with a sad smile, "there are many things to take iQto the account. I thank you out of my heart for the love you have shown "Sarah, 1 must pray over It I need a little time. You will have reason"— Philip paused, as his habit sometimes was, and at that moment the bell rang, and Mrs. Strong went down stairs. As she went along she felt almost persuaded that Philip would yield. Something of his tone seemed to imply that tbe struggle In his mind was nearly ended. As she came Into the room she was surprised at tbe queer look on Philip's face. Without a word he itanded her the letter he had just opened and with the same loolf watched her face as she read It, ' chapter XVII. „,mi) —i .•hiding several yt very, precious list almost for the first to . Milton as if tin to him was alwnl finally submerged the Holy Spirit, w daii/" prayer mlgli won which he alon pH.ose reason hf $l®again#t hlms* «ead tht me, paytof son. nearly all the api ftffp and express1 young men especi to the church fan 8-mm-8€xCons ply the scene wltL lug service. "Then you say," went on Philip after thev had been talking brieflv in auestlon and answered for a few minutes— "you say that you meant to rob me, taking me for another man?" The callers at the door were three men who had been to see Philip several times to talk with him about the pi!M troubles and the labor conflict In general. They wanted to see Philip. Mrs, Strong was anxious about the condition of Philip's health. She asked the men to come in and went up stairs again. "Yes. I thought you was the mill; man. What is his name? Winter?* ' "Why did you want to rob him?" Continued on page four. The letter which Philip had received and which bis wife now read was as follows: "I have only lately learned these; (acts. But, knowing them aa I do and believing that be la as worthy to sit abopt this table aa&ny Christian here) I "fpoot the rejection wfth* toy own purpose to unite here. I therefore desire to withdraw jny application for membership hert. Mr. Strong, I desire to be baptized and partake of the communion *s a disciple of 1 Christ simply, not as a member of Calvary church. Can I do so?" "Amen," murmured tbe man on tbe bed.- Rev. Philip Strom, C*lva*y Church, Mil top; Dear Sir and Brother—The seminary at Fairvie* has long been contemplating the addition to it* professorship of a djalr of sociology. The lack *1 fundi and the absotpte neei-wity of sufficient en dowment for iuch 4 chair have made it isppossi ble hitherto for th*;tru»tces to make any definite more in this directly. A recent legacy, of which you have doubtless *e«fCt. has made the founding of this new profewSrtip possible. And now the trustees by unanimous Vote have \inited upon yon as the (nan best fittjH to HU this chair of sociology. We T»ave he»r«rpf your work in Milton and know Of it personal. W? *re assured you are the man for th»s We therefore tender you nw*t heartily the pMltlon of professor of sociology at Fairview semi»ry at a salary of $2,500 a year and a preliminary year's absence, either abroad or in this «*«rtry, before you begin actual labors with the semiaary. And Philip, still standing fts he was, bow#q&Js head, saying, "Blessed Lord Jesua, accept these children of tblne, bless this pew disciple, and unite our hearts In love for thee and thy kingdom as we remember thee now in this service.'' He took tbe bread and said: " Take, eat Tfejp is my body, broken for you.' In tile l|me of the Master, whq said these fttfcds, eat, remembering his love for ua.^P The tying man conk* not lift his band to take tbe bread from the plate. Philip gjently placed a dumb between his Up*, The sexton, still kneeling, partook and, bowing hie -ead between his handa apbbed, PhiUp poured out the wine and said, "In the name of the Lord JegQs. this cup Is t-CD new testament laSils blood shed for all mankind for the Amission of sins." He carried the cupfc the lips of the and then gave tff-t&e sexton. Tbe smile on the dying nkan's face diet* The gray ahada»«tthetoat«HM#* aaa WtoiecV "Can you see them ? Are you strong enough?" she asketl. "Yes; tell them to come up. I am comfortable now.'' Philip was resting easily, and after a careful look at him Mrs. Strong went down stairs. "Your work here has not been a failure; it hCts been a great success." } Philip replied In a choking yoipe, "Too man t\ fvfts pot the place for any demonstration, but again from the gallery came a slight Hut distinct note of applause. As bt». , It iuiiuiij.iy suuiiiaeU as Philip looked up. For a moment every one held his breath and waited for fhe minister's action. Philip's face was pale and stern. What his sensitive nature suffered in that moment no one ever knew, not even his wife, who almost started from her seat, fearing that he waa about to faint. For a moment there was a hesitation abouk FUUlu'a mannm m naaaiml with me. It means more than words can express," And Philip leaned back with a wearied look ou his face, which nevertheless revealed his deep satisfaction at the thought of such friendship :ts tiiis man had for him. To her surprise two of the men had gone. The one who remained explained that he thought three persons would excite or tire the minister more than one. He bad staid and would not trouble Philip very long. But the business on which he came was of such an important nature that he felt obliged to see the minister if he could do so without danger to him- g. New York. Febrw Dr.flichrers"A W BPELLERIsan HL remedy for Ne Rheumatism. With this formal goes the (post eanu professors of the si your marked undei here. You will m come, and the sem ened by your prM We are, in behalf yours. pn the part of the trustees Hire on the part of ali the hry who remember you in )uate success as a student rth the most loving welwill be greatly strength[ in this new department, le seminary, very cordially The Tausrma. He was getting exhausted With the interview, following so soon on his Illness of the night before. The visitor was quick to notice it, and after a warm clasp of hands be went away. Philip, lying there alone while .his wife was busy down stairs, lived an age in a few minutes. All his life 'so far' in Milton, the events of his preaching and bis experiences ia the church. Wa contact with tbe workmen. Hbr i So the maq went up, and Philip greeted him with his usual heartiness, excusing bimself for not rising. The man took a chair, mdved up near the Here followed to botl} Philip a] There was a i ■ItettftitMttftM ■lr names, familiar lis wife. aent of astonished jceuch and sat down. He seemed a ,«OQd deai eiclted, bat ia a suppressed /