Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-18
PASSING THE PLATE, :,
THE CHURCH TRUSTEES STUDIES OF
HUMAN NATURE.
Bringing Out the Characteristics Of In
dividuals - Everything In knowing
How to Pass the Plate-A Curious
Case Bad Money.
New York Sun.1

around the plate just once. Ii the promi-
nent church members who do that would
speak. they could tell you interesting things.
But, OF course, their position is a confidential
one. something like that of a confsssor, or .
lawyer, and it wouldn't do for them to tell.
But, as l was saying, it brings out the most
curious human nature that a man has got
in him Before l became connc ted with
this church 1 was simple mem
Der of smaller downtown con-
gregation; and. although l don't take any
pride in it now, l may say that | was a
trustee. and did take up collections When
tell you there were 200 persons in the con-
grsgation, and that $2O was an unusually large
sum to take up at one time, you will under
stand how little entb busiasm there is about
contributing unless on some special occasion
The only way that can explain it is this:
You see, a regular church member looks
upon the collection as lifelong fact that
has got to be met every Sunday, and, if he
is at all inclined to be economical, he Is apt
70 trim down there, because he feels that he
does his duty in paying for his pew. Then
when outsiders come in they may give lit
tie. but, as a rule they will finger the cents
or 10 cents in their pockets, and then drop it.
rejecting that, after all, it isn't worth while
w hcip puhu q Su "itu "hASh ehcl
will have no further connection"
Does anything depend on tho man who
carries the plstei"
well a great deal. He needs TO have a
sharp eye, Of course, not to miss anybody,
because there is not one chance in a thousand
of his being called back. What he needs
more than anything else, though, is business
tact There's everything in knowing how to
q v,lo To ifFarapt raonla
cranky. II you put the plate at them ton
persistently they feel offended, and taxa
pride in not contributing a cent for six
weeks Then other people have their little
weaknesses and want their light to have
. good chance to shine. l knew a man
who, II a plate came to him empty, would
put on Q quarter or a half, and be satisfied
with starting 1t that way; but if there were
lot Of quarters and things on already, he'd
just as like as not slap down a dollar bill.
And he'd get at least a dollars worth Of
satisfaction in watching the hesitation of the
men next to him, who knew they were as good
as he, and yet didn't like to give SO much.
Why, I've had plate come sailing by me
Just loaded with bills, and you'd think the
congregation was extravagantly liberal,
when the fact was that two or three men
started in that way, and the rest wouldn't
take bluff
GMore dinlomacy NAV he exercised Nv
collector than auy one would think. But he
can't do nearly as much to help the church
q the members themselves can as they sit in
their ssata Let a gentleman put silver in
the plate, and then follow it with his eye
The chances are that no one within sight
will have the courage to put in copper
Nore than once I've seen a man drop
penny from the palm Of his hand in the
middle Of the plate thinking it would pass
unpsrcsived But some deacon or some one
Interested In the church would light right
onto tho cent with a well-directed glance
Then the man would look down. discover
with surprise that he had put in cent say
What a ridiculous mistake and put in
more. There are lots Of old church men,
bers who understand this, and no matter
what church YOU NAV 60 to, unless
you sit I'D in tho gallery, you will be pretty
sure 10 see some old gentleman or old lady
with an eye on you as the plate goes by.
More hesitating nickeis have been turned in
the right direction by this means than any
one has any idea of And it is only right,
for no one can supply a church with heat,
light, and a good minister unless he has
money to do it with. And every one VINO
enjoys those comforts ought TO help pay for
them.
There Is . curious case in this church. It
is that of an old white haired member, worth
. million. who always puts just 10 cents in
the box. Rain or shine, he is always in his
seat at the same hour, and always has a dime
in change Two heard our minister make
the most touching sermon on the hsathen
that you ever heard. The tears would wet
the old millionairs's cheeks, but just IS sure
a. that box came around he would wipe his
ewes, reach with his right hand in his left
waistcoat pocket and draw out that dime;
just enough to take q missionary to Harlem.
He probably contracted that habit when he
was poor man, and grew to like it
"Other men are Just the other way, and
give hberally-more, perhaps, than they can
afford. Men who get their money most cas-
lily are most liberal; brokers and spectators
who don't know whether they own a cent OF
In not will throw $50 bill, when a solid real
estate owner will give a quarter. And I've
seen q regular gambler come into church in
all kinds Of fancy clothes, and contribute
somethinR handsome, lust for luck
Aoou' Pu'@ d""' " anu une' "0