Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-01-04
COURTESY TO STRANGERS.

COURTESY TO STRANGERS.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for
thereby some have entertained angels un-
XIII:2.
81 was glad to hear your sermon this
morning on the recognition of saints In
heaven" said a gentleman to his clergyman.
Indeed" exclaimed the minister, 81 feel
gratifed." eyes, continued the gentleman,
81 have been attending your church for
nearly five years and have never been recog-
nized yet. had almost given up hope of
recognition, but your sermon has inspired
me with renewed confidence"
The satire of this brief dialogue will be
keenly appreciated by more than one church
attendant in st. Paul and elsewhere. While
there is perhaps slight exaggeration of
language, there is SO much of truth in it
that we are compelled to acknowledge that
it is a hit-a palpable hit, which is as
rule well deserved. Nearly every
church in the city advertises its Sabbath
services, and announces that strangers are
welcome" Perhaps the understanding of
the meaning of welcome is different among
church members than it is elsewhere, and
this misconception may account for the fact
that men attend the services of the sanctuary
Sabbath after Sabbath and return to their
homes without having received nod of rec
gregated. It is no wonder that they finally
become discouraged and remain at home on
the Sabbath or resort to some place where
they will be received with a semblance of
cordially, at least-to the hotels, and sa-
looms, and beer gardens.
The ushers employed to seat the strang-
ers who visit the churches are almost inva-
riably excellent judges of the quality of the
clothes people wear. They can tell at a
glance whether a man purchased his suit
ready made or had it made to order by fash
ionable tailor. They can tell in an instant
whether woman employed dress-maker
to make and fit her dress, or whether she
made it herself. Their sartorial education
is of the most thorough description, and be-
lieving, as they do, that fine feathers make
fine birds, they are perhaps e1cusable for es-
corting those who are gorgeously arrayed. to
the best seats in the tabernacle. and seating
the person who buys his suit at some "one-
price clothing house." in shabby, out-of-
the-way pew at the rear of the edifce. But
while such treatment is no doubt pleasing to
those who are honored, it is regarded as a
hint that their presence is not desired by
those who are consigned to the obscurity of
the free-for- all pews. The usher has not
vet been discovered who has the hardihood
to escort a man in homespun to front pew,
or to seat one dressed in broadcloth and fine
linen in the forms reserved for the canaille.
We are aware of the fact that we are criti-
cising one of the most dearly cherished dog
mas of the church when we condemn the
practice of making distinctions between
church attendants on account of the clothes
they wear. Democracy is theory of which
the church usher is in profound ignorance.
He fully appreciates the responsibility that
is placed Nbon him, and would no sooner
place plainly dressed person in proximity
to the pew of the financial pillar of the
church than he would commit any other
solecism in politeness. He is charged with
the duty of dividing the fashionable sheep
from the questionable goats, and woe be to
him if he by any oversight shall bsing two
persons OF a different station in life into too
close proximity, even for the worship of
God.
The church usher is despot in his par
ticular province. There is no appeal from
his decisions except precipitate retreat
from the church, which would be apt to
create scene. AS long as he keeps the
classes apart he can retain his powers and
his privileges, bat as soon as he essays the
role of Little Buttercup, and "mixes these
children up" he is made to
feel weight of displeasure
from the majority of the congregation
which soon results in driving him into re
tirement. 'Buttercup' ushe-s, however
are about as scarce as angels visits, and We
have yet to hear of the retirement of one o.
them for such cause.
But the ushers are not alone responsible
for the cold welcome extended to strangers
Be man ever SO gentlemanly in appear
ance. he may attend church till he is gray
before be will be made welcome IN
less he brings an introduction. Church
members proceed on the theory as to souls