The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-02-11
Prayer Put to Test.
From The Ne,o Hayen Reqfste,

George Simms, a substitute letter carrier
connected with the New Haven postoffice is a
man Of religious mind, and though still young
is honored as deacon of the Im manuel Ban
fist (colored) church on West Chapel street.
Letter Carer David Barry has practical ideas
ana an important principle in his theology is
that heaven helps those who helps themselves
1t IS but natural that David and the deacon
the first being laxative by nature and the other
by force of habit, should clash in their religious
opinions This forenoon a conflict Of long
standing, which had been perpetuated in the
daily moments of leisure that an English adj
minlstration allowed, came to focus. A wager
was the result.
The deacon was dext erously sorting ont LETT
terS and David was engaged in a similar man
ner, when an accidental remark dropped by
Capt. Dickinson, the temp france apostle
caused a renewal of the Simms- Barry contro-
versy.
The deacon said that the easiest way to get
along in this world was to pray.
David promptly retorted that, although that
work
a debate on the efficacy of prayer followed.
Barry quoted as an argument the attempt of
the re oublicans to GUST Postmaster English be-
Harrison and John Wanamaker.
There's a higher throne than Harrison's ~
said the deacon, AID chorus of voices, among
which was heard one of a deep, bass tone, re,
Spouded Amen"
The seeming approval of Deacon Simms SEN
timents somewhat disconnected Mr.. Barry but
put out. ut was hard work that triumphed in
the end he finally remarked
But PRAYER is the surest means of attaining
any worthy end; you'll admit that?" said Dea-
con SimmS, with positive energy.
Prayer won't prevent our term of service
from coming to an unworthy end pretty soon, -
said voice like That of cannon.
Let US abe hopeful iuterpoSed one who
seemed buoyed up by some expectation.
But prayer will enable to make a living
at something else" replied the persistent
deacon
18Th bet you five to one that can get dinner
quicker by grubbing for it than you can by
praying for it," said David with a slight show
of excitement.
tone of religious fervor, as he flashed crisp
dollar bill out of his left vest pocket. "Ill take
the bet"
Carrier Thomas H. Gill was chosen stake
holder Carrier Walter L. Benton was APP
pointed referee for Deacon Smms, and Carrier
William l.. Hyde, r., volunteered TO look out
for the rights of his friend Barry, The princi,
pals and referees arranged that Simms and
Barry should go out to the corner of Chapel
and Church streets at II O'Clock in citizens at
tire, and that the deacon should pray for his
dinner while Barry should work in any way he
might choose for something to eat.
With the referees and few knowing specta-
tors, the two disputan.s went to New Ravens
busiest street corner Just as the CITY nall
clock struck the hour the colored deacon
dropped on his knees close to tn electric light
pole, and, with clasped hands extended before
him and eyes devoutly closed, he began to pray
aloud.
Shrewd Barry quickly looked about for some
friend whom he could work" for a dinner
thinking by stretching the word a little he
could win the wager He had buttonhoied
well-known man, when a colored youth forced
his way through the gathering wonderers to the
deacon, who had had only time to say: 80,
Lord who hast always been good and merciful
to needy mankind, pray thee to"
what you dom there?' inquired the
stranger.
s.y
What you prayiu' for?" asked the youth.
Something to eat,N said Deacon Simms
well. if you're so hungry as you got to pray
for 1t, take his"
And as Barry's friend was negatively shaking
his head, the colored young man handed the
devout Deacon Simms bag of sandwiches.
Faith had won, but when sta <ehoder Gill
returns from his afternoon route he will hear a
strong protest from Barry.