The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1892-03-23
UNRELIABLE INFORMATION.

1t Works Much Harm Before the Truth
Can BE Revealed.
One frequently is startled in public
conveyances and in public conventions
by the free and careless use of names,
the freedom with which family his
tories are revealed, and the declarations
that have the ring in them of positive
knowledge, but which are entirely
false. AS an illustration, recently in a
crowded assembly prominent pastor
in charge of one of the largest churches
in the country was making an address
in behalf of certain missionary cause.
He was eloquent, convincing and en-
thusiastic. After the applause which
followed his address there was a lull
for moment, during which was over
heard by at least ten persons this re-
mark made by a young lady: ut is all
well enough for him to talk! Much he
cares whether we raise any money or
not! Why, do you know his church
last year paid him four thousand dol
lars more year than it expended on
missionary work, and they take no in
terest in this particular field. l like to
see people consistent. Why do they
ask him to speak?" This last remark
was made with great Indignation.
Shortly after this the daily papers an
nounced that Dr. - received four
thousand dollars more year in salary
than his church gave in missionary
work both at home and abroad. The
truth is that the church eXpends four
thousand dollars more than twice the
pastors salary in missionary work, and
the pastors wife is prominently identi-
fed with branch of the missionary
work that called this convention to-
gether, and by her enthusiasm and
devotion has quadrupled the amount Of
money sent by the city in which she
lives to this particular field. The mon
ologue was overheard by member Of
the church, who was so angry that she
did not dare to speak. When she had
gained a degree of self-control, she con-
cluded that she would not speak until
she had consulted her pastor, in whom
she had the utmost confidence. She re-
peated what she had overheard, and
then asked him what he thought had
best be done. His answer was: Life
is too short to spend it in trying to cor
rect false impressions of persons. The
truth is always revealed" That is true
Christian PHILOSOPHY, but it requires
grace to live up to it, and the indignant
member did not possess the required
amount of grace.
Not long after, she met the woman
who had made this public declaration,
which had evidently been heard by a
reporter, and so the sentence was set
floating through the entire country,
forming an item furnished by the news
paper syndicates. After the introduc.
ton she said: 81 am very glad to meet
you, because l once heard you state q
thing you believed to be true that is no,
true do not believe it has done q
great amount of harm, because enough
persons know the truth to minimize a
great deal of evil" The women looked
surprised. She was asked: "Yor
not at all familiar with the working.
of Dr. IS church, are you?" "Well
no." 81 thought not, for heard you
say that DIR. - received four Thousand
dollars more year in salary than the
church expended in missionary effort
while the truth is, the church ex
ponds four thousand dollars more
than twice the salary paid to Dr. -
in missionary effort Will you please
tell me where you got your informa
tion?" The young woman looked ir
perfect amazement, and said: "Well
now, really l could not tell you. Why
am quite sure l saw it some place, OF
else was told of it; but | know l hac
positive impression that that church
did nothing in the missionary field. v
"Well, will take care that you receive
the church's Year Book" In all prob.
ability that young woman will moi
again make declaration in public in
regard to any public character where
her knowledge rests only on an indie
terminate impression. AS DIR. - says
the truth is always revealed, but in the
meantime there may be great deal OF
mental suffering and much harm done
before the revelation is complete
Christian Union.